Dear Chattanooga State Community,

I hope this message finds you in good health and good spirits as we move into the fall. Over the past few weeks, I've sought to share insights and strategies aimed at enhancing your learning experience here at ChattState. A couple of weeks ago, I introduced the technique of using recall and reflection, an evidence-based approach to internalizing and understanding information beyond mere rote memorization. And just last week, we delved into the importance of mitigating distractions, with a specific focus on the ever-pervasive realm of social media.

Today, our discussion takes us to a foundational element of personal and academic success: willpower.

Let's take a moment to understand what willpower is. It's that internal force that pushes us forward, enabling us to resist short-term temptations in order to achieve long-term goals. In the context of your studies, think of it as the determination to sit down and focus on an assignment even when the allure of a Netflix binge beckons. It's the discipline to choose the library over a spontaneous hangout when finals are around the corner.

But willpower isn't some abstract idea. It's tangible and is closely linked to our well-being. Science likens willpower to a muscle. In their book, Willpower, based in part on these studies, Roy Baumeister and John Tierney demonstrate that the willpower muscle can be both strengthened with practice and depleted with overuse. And much like how our physical muscles rely on nourishment, our willpower muscle relies on our brain's energy. This connection explains why, when we're tired or hungry, decisions that require strong willpower become more challenging.

Considering our evolutionary journey, willpower has always played a pivotal role. For instance, it allowed early humans to forgo the immediate pleasure of consuming food to save for times when food was scarce. Willpower is what enabled communities to cooperate and work towards collective long-term benefits rather than just individual immediate gains. Translating this to our contemporary academic setting, developing willpower can aid in prioritizing long-term academic and career goals over momentary pleasures.

You might wonder, "What do recall, reflection, and removing distractions have to do with willpower?" I’m glad you asked! It's all about synergy. These strategies, when coupled with robust willpower, create a formidable combination. Recall and reflection require discipline to be implemented consistently. That discipline is a manifestation of willpower. Likewise, the decision to set aside our phones, limit our social media use, or curate our environments to minimize distractions demands a measure of self-control—a direct outcome of willpower.

In the upcoming weeks, expect to dive deeper into this subject. We'll explore strategies, exercises, and practical tips to strengthen your willpower muscle. It's about understanding when it's depleting, what can replenish it, and how to train it for endurance. By understanding a little bit about its science, recognizing when our willpower is being depleted, and learning how to replenish and strengthen it, we can integrate willpower into our daily lives and academic routines.

Take a moment to reflect on the times you've shown immense willpower and the instances where you wish you'd had more. Recognizing and celebrating our victories, no matter how small, can be an excellent starting point in this journey—acknowledging our strengths and understanding our areas for improvement is the beginning of growth.

 

2024–2025 Scholarship Application Opens November 1

The 2024-2025 Scholarship Application will open on Wednesday, November 1 for Fall 2024 scholarship awards! ChattState and the Chattanooga State Foundation will award over $1 million in scholarships next year, but students must apply to be considered. The priority deadline for scholarship awards is March 1, 2024.

The 2024-2025 Scholarship Application will only be reviewed for scholarship awards beginning with the Fall 2024 semester.

 

Upcoming Events

• October 31, 10 AM–1 PM, OMN Café
  - Oktoberfest Student Experience
   
• November 1, 5:30 p.m., Gym
  - Women's Basketball (JV) vs Brenneau U
   
• November 7, 7:00 p.m., Gym
  - Men's Basketball (JV) vs Trevecca
   
• November 8
  - First Generation College Day
   
• November 9, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Faculty Staff Dining Hall
  - Food for Thought Lunch-n-Learn
  - TN Promise & Scholarship Info Session

 

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President