> Studies suggest that relying on will power is hopeless
Which would indeed be extremely defeatist.
Willpower and better strategies can both work in conjunction. Willpower is not entirely hopeless as a strategy.
> Studies suggest that relying on will power is hopeless. Instead, we must find strategies that don’t require us to be strong.
nothing defeatist about it.
not to mention, why judge such a long article which is summarizing a long book by the subtitle which generally isn't even written by the author of the article...
Similar to the title, is is again framing it as an either/or situation.
Reality is that strategy+ willpower is the winning approach. Making change will almost always require strength, but strategy can make that requirement lower.
Throwing out your cigarettes/beer/ junk food makes abstinence easier, but it doesnt make abstinence easier than buying more.
It is like an article with starting and concluding with "bleach is safe to drink", and then discussing the dangers throughout the body.
I dont think everything needs to be dumbed down - but parts of it are literally false and contradictory.