Willpower

Write or nothing. It’s the same principle as keeping order in a school. If you make the pupils behave, they will learn something just to keep from being bored. I find it works. Two very simple rules, a. you don’t have to write. b. you can’t do anything else. The rest comes of itself.”

The Nothing Alternative (and Other Tricks of Offense)

The secret of my incredible energy and efficiency in getting work done is a simple one,” Benchley wrote. “The psychological principle is this: anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn’t the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment.”

Vice delayed may turn out to be vice denied.

The Power of Positive Procrastination

Don’t Forget the Basics (like Changing Your Socks)

Make a To-Do List—or at Least a To-Don’t List

Parkinson’s Law: Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion

Pick Your Battles

So when it comes to food, never say never. When the dessert cart arrives, don’t gaze longingly at forbidden treats. Vow that you will eat all of them sooner or later, but just not tonight. In the spirit of Scarlett O’Hara, tell yourself: Tomorrow is another taste.