There are so many things which I did for a while and was never able to stick with. A couple of online courses, learning Korean, the 10,000 words program, the logic practice. Where do I usually stop?
We may quit something consciously or unconsciously. Ji proposed a reading project last semester, we had an exciting online opening. However, that was our first and last online meeting. We talked so much to start it while we gave up it without saying a word. In fact, it does not bother me at all, because we quit it consciously. I knew I was not that interested in the thick book, I could read many others instead of that one.
What is the reason that you have failed to stick with something that takes long time to measure the consequence. If it is because you are sure that you can not enjoy it and do not respect the outcome very much, then walking away is reasonable. On the contrary, if you failed because you are not sure whether it is worth the time or even just because of laziness, then you'd better pick them up again and find some interesting things by all means, such as breaking down the task, strengthening the reinforcement, looking for professional help. You have read so many books about willpower, emotional intelligence, the theories need opportunities to be tested and practice. We are forbidden to test God, God is testing us every day.
Now let's talk about the tools. God helps us not only by words, but by all means. Many books have the statement like making a task 20% easier to start would increase the frequency of their start by 80%. For me, Jian Shu is a perfect example. It facilitates writing, I can begin to type without any burden every morning. It suddenly occurred to me that the reason why we have not performed very well in many things might be that the alternatives are so available. The bed to oversleeping, the snack in the closet. Yesterday, I ate a pack of biscuits just because I knew it's there, waiting for me!
I am practicing three small things to strengthen willpower. The willpower of will: Meditation 5 minutes every morning. The willpower of do not: not eat after you already feel full. And the track of my willpower also helps me to use it, become friends with it.