Willpower

Read the article again and find words that match the definitions.
Every month you pay a large sum of money for your gym membership. But some months you don't even go. Sound familiar? What does it take to achieve a goal? Why do some determined individuals pull their boots on and achieve what few would even dare to try? Find out the secrets of three successful adventurers below. But first, imagine you want to make some changes in your life: do our quiz and check out how much willpower you have.

1. You get home after a long day at work. What do you do for your evening meal?
a. make a healthy meal using fresh ingredients
b. call for a delivery of fast food
c. heat up a frozen dinner

2. Summer is coming, and you want to look your best. You have a free evening ahead. Do you ... ?
a. go out jogging
b. read a magazine about healthy living
c. watch a movie

3. You've been spending too much money recently. Your route to work takes you through a shopping mall. Do you ... ?
a. find a different route that avoids stores
b. take the usual route and buy yourself something nice
c. take the usual route but not spend any money

4. You decided to quit smoking a while ago. You're going out with friends. Do you ... ?
a. take some chewing gum with you
b. leave your cigarettes at home
c. take three cigarettes with you
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If your answers are mostly a, you'll probably stick to your resolutions. If your answers are mostly c, you have the will but perhaps not enough power. If your answers are mostly b, you'd better read what the experts say. You don't have to be an intrepid adventurer to find these comments useful. We're all faced with challenges, big and small, in our everyday lives.
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Mental challenges are as difficult to pass as endurance tests. You pass through failure to success. You do not avoid failure. To me, the most exciting time is when things aren't going right. As a leader, you can't give up.
Robert D. Ballard, marine explorer

When I had to decide between the comfort of a staff news job and the risk of freelance photography, my mother told me that no great chasm was ever leaped in two small jumps.
Jodi Cobb, National Geographic photographer

People can build their willpower deliberately. We are born with a certain amount, but that is just a platform. I think you can build willpower and be strong and achieve a lot. Start with a step you feel comfortable with and take it one step ahead.
Børge Ousland, polar explorer

dare (v) /dɛr/ be brave enough to do something
endurance (n) /ɪnˈdjʊərns/ the ability to keep doing something difficult, unpleasant, or painful for a long time
chasm (n) / ˈkæzm/ a long deep narrow hole in ice or rock

1. an objective, an aim (n):

2. people (n):

3. decisions or promises you make to yourself (n):

4. courageous, without fear (adj):

5. tests of your abilities (n):

6. a starting point or basis for something (n):