I wonder if maybe the externalization of will helps to ...reset? the perception of ones self. I'm not sure if I'm wording that the best way.

Example: Sometimes I'll tell people "I'll have this done by X time" in order to externalize the goal. Now, it's not on my own willpower to finish this, it's now an externalized obligation that I need to do or <insert negative consequences here>. That externalization makes me push harder to complete things.

Interesting thought