The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Essay Example

Introduction

The ability to motivate patients effectively to achieve positive outcomes requires open communication and an understanding of specific barriers that impact quality of care in different ways. This reflects the importance of overcoming said barriers by using motivation and other tools to support patients during difficult periods. Therefore, pharmacists must be able to support patients and guide them in promoting recovery at a higher level. They must also acquire adequate self-control and an understanding of their surroundings and the needs of the patient population in order to make a valuable difference at this stage. The following discussion will address a patient scenario in which a pharmacist encouraged the patient to make a change in his behavior that contributed to an improved outcome.

Body

Last month, I worked with a patient with type 2 diabetes who required a toe amputation due to chronic infection in this area. The patient was 47 years old, was approximately 50 pounds overweight, and self-proclaimed that he watches what he eats and consumes many unhealthy foods. Nonetheless, the patient could not understand why he required a toe amputation and was in denial regarding the possible contributions of weight and poor diet to his diabetic condition and its level of severity. I nicely advised him that if he wanted to save the rest of his toes, feet, and legs, he would need to begin to eat right immediately and become more physically active. In that instant, something seemed to register in his brain and he realized that what I was saying might be correct and would help him in preventing further risk and harm due to his diabetic condition. Therefore, he vowed to make some changes in his life and to be proactive in supporting his health more effectively.

In this example, my ability to demonstrate willpower and strength in working with the patient to meet a desired goal was of critical importance, as I developed some degree of inner strength and a higher level of self-control and realized that these characteristics are useful in working with patients in a positive and meaningful way (McGonigal). This is an important reminder of the ability of a level of inner peace to make a difference in the lives of my patients and to be cognizant of how I might come across to my patients so that they do not take advantage of me in one way or another. As a pharmacist, I must continue to recognize the value of self-control and an understanding of the patient’s needs above all else and to identify with a patient and his or her needs in a positive manner.

Conclusion

I believe that in the example scenario, I was able to recognize the value of developing a level of self-control that served me well in working with this patient, as I was finally able to get through to him and enable him to see the light in regards to his health behaviors. This was a very enlightening experience and provided me with the tools and resources that were necessary to improve my self-confidence in communicating with patients and in supporting their needs at a high level. These efforts are essential in developing a relationship with patients that will serve both sides well and in working to improve my communication skills to the extent that my words and actions will make a difference in the lives of my patients in one way or another. This is a critical step towards the discovery of new methods to improve communication and to be proactive in meeting patient care needs in order to make a difference in their lives.

Works Cited

McGonigal, Kelly. The Willpower Instinct:  How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It.  New York: Penguin Group, 2012. Print.