Ego and its depletion

Testing the ego

The human mind has enormous capacity to cogitate, ruminate as well as meditate. What we choose to do with our abilities is a personal decision. Research is increasingly corroborating the internal drive to perform actions, with enhanced prowess and energy to execute them. In other words, studying under pressure is a less probable predictor of success when compared to an inherent resolve to excel by putting in effort at free will. The mind can monetize on its energies by using free will; unlike forced conformity that depletes the mind of its essential faculties. Putting the mind to test by overworking it may not always have the best outcomes.
Respect the mind

When the mind is low on energy, one cannot exercise adequate self-restraint. And if one does so, it limits the impact of that control as the resources that sanction so are used up. The mind is enigmatic and powerful; nonetheless it needs its share of nurturance to revivify. Prolonged mental fatigue owing to excessive control drains the brain of all willpower.

• Overindulgence after a full week of refraining from chocolate
• Binge drinking every other week with sobriety in the interim
• Controlling frustration but releasing it all suddenly one day

This however wouldn't be the case if one had decided to curb chocolates, alcohol and anger willfully and disowned the craving too along with the object of the craving. Conscious action always uses up mental energies; unconscious competence is virtually effortless (it does takes some sweat to get to that level!)

Unconscious to conscious

Proficiency is a learned advantage. Everyone is born with select skills; others are inculcated along the path of existence. Conscious virtuousness seems synthetic, nonetheless it is still commendable. Instinctive kindness, benevolence and sympathy require struggle; and once attained they become part of the persona.

• You don't know that you were wrong
• You realize that you’ve been wicked
• You knowingly act righteously now
• You become a virtuous human being

The mind and its innate tendencies thus progressively passage from:

• Unconscious inefficiency (I don't know that I don't know)
• Conscious incompetence (I know that I do not know)
• Conscious competence (I know now what I didn't)
• Unconscious proficiency (I know all the time)

If you crave to do it, it becomes easier for you to reach the point of unconscious adeptness. The element of freedom to make choices versus counter attitudinal conformity makes a difference in the strain it puts on your own mind. Be cognizant of that strain.
Have some glucose

Don't deplete your energies to a level below which survival becomes difficult. Fuel replenished well in time offers greater efficacy than running the car on a near empty tank. Human behavior is strongly influenced by glucose levels in the brain, more so when faced with counter attitudinal tasks. The brain utilizes more glucose towards control and convincing processes. Children are agitated, hyperactive and more disobedient when very hungry; adult drivers have road rage after a fight in which they didn't express themselves well if they, and people perform better on Sudoku, crosswords, mazes and other mental tasks after eating their favorite meals. Absence of the same has been experimentally proved to demonstrate impulsivity, disquiet and recklessness.
Rejuvenate

Perceptions strongly impact one’s thoughts, which influence emotions and characterize behaviors. Change is imperative at the thought level. Thinking positive is like accepting the flow of the river that surrounds you and swimming in its direction. If you oppose it, you use up a lot more physical and psychological vigor and genuinely feel the fatigue. Save all the energy you can, you may need it for a rainier day…