Activity 6.3 Returning to Free Will

William James writes that “our moral effort, properly so called, terminates in our holding fast to the appropriate idea.” (James, 1899, p. 186).  Preceding this statement James discusses the building of character in students and the interplay of impulse and inhibition.  He ties this to his definition of character as “an organized set of habits of reaction” (James, 1899, p. 184).  I have frequently pondered the point at which possession of information ceases to become only knowledge and becomes a force in our decision making process, information that becomes determinant of who we are and what we choose.  James writes also that “Our volitional habits depend, then, first, on what the stock of ideas is which we have; and, second, on the habitual coupling of the several ideas with action or inaction respectively.” (James, 1899, p. 184).  Perhaps the answer to this question, then, resides in the important aspect of the habitual coupling of our ideas.  I wonder why some individuals have the power to overcome addictions?  It seems obvious that addiction is related to the habitual coupling of ideas and action, and science tells us that there is a physiological basis for many addictions.  What then, is the defining component, the catalyst, that endows an individual with the capacity to overcome long-standing patterns of behavior and move the behavior to a decision point, the decision; “Will you or won’t you have it so?”  In the video Robert Richardson mentions the profound observation that James makes in a footnote about attention.  “The world we attend to is reality.  Attention is a motor reaction and we are so made that sensations force attention from us.  Belief and attention are the same fact.” Belief and attention are the same fact…this is profound.  If this is true, could we change what we believe about ourselves by changing what we pay attention to?  I believe that we could.  I believe this is so powerful.  I have never worked with addicted individuals, but of course there are many who do.  How would they change the focus of attention of the individuals who come to them for help? I am sure this must be a component of programs that treat addiction.

As I get older maintaining a reasonable weight has become an increasingly difficult challenge.  My single most successful tactic is diversion.  In other words, I love to eat, and in order to eat less I must put my attention elsewhere.  It helps, of course, if I focus my attention on habits that will further my goal, such as healthy eating habits, yoga, or bicycling.  However, underneath it all I still believe that I am not going to be successful.  Where do I need to put my attention so I can change my belief and successfully solve this problem?