Will is a quality that is especially necessary in difficult life situations. It manifests itself in solving problems, overcoming obstacles, the need to make the right choice. Currently, science has more than one concept of will. The structure of volitional action also includes many components, on the development of definitions of which modern scientists are working.
Will in life and in science
When a person learns to overcome obstacles - both external and internal, he develops the willpower in himself , becomes more independent, independent, disciplined and sustained. No wonder the structure of volitional action has recently become the object of research by many scientists.
What is volitional effort? Subjectively, it is experienced by a person as a form of emotional stress. At the same time, creating additional motivation for action, all his forces are mobilized: attention, imagination and thinking. Through this tension, victory over oneself takes place. In general, in general psychology, one of the most important is the concept of will. The structure of volitional action allows isolating the various components of this, at first glance, indivisible phenomenon.
What are the functions of the will?
In many life circumstances, a well-trained will is necessary. The structure of volitional action remains hidden for the understanding of an ordinary person. The main functions of the will are the regulation of behavior, when the motivation to commit certain actions is either too small or, conversely, too strong; the choice of certain motives; the organization of thinking, memory, attention and emotions in such a way that the activities of these mental processes contribute to the achievement of the goal; as well as mobilization of mental and physical resources.
The psychological structure of volitional action
All volitional actions are divided into two categories: simple and complex. This division is the most generalized. As can be seen from the definition, the structure of a simple volitional action does not contain additional components. In this case, the person is clearly aware of what his goal is, and how it can be achieved. He simply takes the necessary actions that will lead him to the right point.
The structure of volitional action consists of two parts or stages. The first stage is preparatory, the second is the immediate implementation of actions.
Complex volitional action
Otherwise, the structure of complex volitional action is arranged. It has several stages, the isolation of which is due to the difficulties that stand in the way of achieving the desired goal, as well as the person’s internal conflict, the struggle of his motives. The first stage is the awareness of the goal, as well as those opportunities that are available to achieve it. At the next stage, those motives are noted that confirm or deny the possibilities indicated at the first stage. The turning point is the struggle of motives within the personality and the adoption of a final decision. This is followed by the selection of a specific opportunity, which acts as a means to an end, the implementation of the decision, and, finally, overcoming the existing obstacles to the goal. The final stage is its achievement. The structure and characteristics of volitional action were identified as a result of the long work of many scientists: S. L. Rubinstein, A. N. Leontyev, V. A. Ivannikov.
Goal thinking phase
It would seem, what difficulties may arise during this period? If there is a goal, then its achievement is realistic under certain circumstances, as well as if a person has a trained will. The structure of volitional action, however, for good reason includes this stage. The fact is that it is not always possible to quickly assess the current situation and realize how achievable the goal is. If the physical and psychological capabilities of a person really do not correspond to this level, then perhaps another goal will be of great importance - not so high, but more significant.
The struggle of motives in volitional action
Such a complex structure of volitional action is determined precisely by a person’s ability to choose between several goals. The fact is that often a person may have several desires or needs, but almost always they cannot be satisfied at the same time. In such a situation, a struggle of motives arises, which is also a volitional activity. Over time, needs can also be modified, new ones added. Some motives generated by needs can promote one action and discourage others.
The wording of the decision
Decision making is one of the key components that the structure of volitional action has. Psychology comes to the rescue in practical and everyday situations. The fact is that the decision made may often need to be repeatedly confirmed. At first, the accepted statement is formed in the form of a certain phrase in which its whole essence is expressed. It may be the words “Let it be so”, “I decided, and the point”, “Not subject to discussion.” Then these statements will become a source of additional motivation in the implementation of the plan. For example, a person decides to refuse sweet or fatty foods. But after a while, when he again encounters the desire to eat something high-calorie, he will have to resort to the initial statement, so as not to give up.
Planning
One of the most important parts of the volitional process is the planning of specific goals to achieve the goal. The structure of volitional action, according to the views of some scientists, may not specifically include this stage. But in order to achieve what was planned, it is necessary to properly represent all those actions by which the movement towards the goal will actually be carried out.
Often, in everyday and working matters, it is recommended to use the simplest objects - a notebook and pen. Having compiled a list of cases, you can increase the likelihood of their execution by an order of magnitude.
Qualities of will
The structure of volitional action also does not properly illuminate such indicators characterizing the volitional process as its dynamic component and perseverance. The first is a kind of energy indicator and is needed to perform tasks that require large investments of energy per unit of time. Persistence allows you to achieve long-term goals and not give up in the face of current obstacles. Different people may have these qualities expressed to varying degrees. Ideally, of course, the will should have both a large dynamic potential and a high persistence rate.
Will and Unconscious
Some researchers point out that the structure of volitional action may be influenced by unconscious motives that control a person without his control. However, the ultimate purpose of volitional efforts is precisely the opposition to the principle of pleasure, which requires its "here and now."
A mature person always understands that he cannot be given everything at once. And therefore, each time he must choose one of the possibilities. At the same time, he resists temptation, restrains his desires. The decision to do so, and not otherwise, is preceded by an assessment of the situation, of those opportunities that exist in reality, as well as the consequences of a certain course of action.
External and internal locus of control
To characterize a person with respect to the presence or absence of her volitional qualities, an indicator such as the locus of control is often used . This definition simply means the attribution of events occurring in a person’s life to external or internal forces. If a person believes that all the good and bad events in his life are generated by external forces, then his locus of control can be described as external. If he realizes that he himself brought a considerable share in the implementation of this or that scenario, then such a person would rather have an internal locus of control. The development of willpower is closely connected with it.
How to train the will?
The first condition for this, of course, is the mobilization of energy. To start performing a task, you need to be prepared to devote some amount of your time and energy to it. The latter usually means the work of higher mental functions - perception, memory, thinking, speech. Some people, when they hear that the mobilization of energy should be the first step to training the will, often respond with the same indignation. They indicate that for this mobilization they just lack the willpower. This “argument” can be very easily refuted: each person has at least a minimum volitional potential. Even in its infancy, but people possess it. Therefore, these words are either self-deception or outright lies.
Everyday life provides a large number of opportunities for training the will. This may be the need for early recovery, timely cleaning in the house, the development of the ability to concentrate on a certain type of activity. Both simple household matters and work issues can serve as an excellent springboard for training this remarkable quality.
At first, it may not be useful to humans. But in certain situations, he will be very glad that he once developed a good willpower in a timely manner. Thus, such workouts are very similar to health insurance. Every month, paying a certain amount of money, a person seems to see no point in this. But if such a need arises, he is very grateful to himself that he acted reasonably and acquired this insurance.