When it comes to conquering a goal, such as losing weight, overcoming addiction, or eliminating a bad habit, willpower is needed. Having willpower is not the easiest thing to have. Willpower is the act of controlling our impulsive behaviors. However, our impulsive behaviors can take over our will power. Shahram Heshmat Ph.D, a contributor writer for Psychology Today, says there are 5 main reasons we act impulsively.