I suppose it depends what you call the self, and if the self is multiple in nature, which part of it should be expressed in order to be called free will, and which part would be expressed in order to call it an external motivation or an obstacle to the will.
In general, I think we mostly see the conscious intent (imagined outcome and formulated plan of action) as will, and our unconscious drives (e.g. any of the seven sins) as external to that agency. Thus, the Christian view of human struggle: a good conscious intent vs. the influence of the Devil (which I'd call our animal nature or baser instinct).
However, if I am to conquer those baser instincts, either they aren't too strong, or it is in my nature to fight strongly against them. So I'd still say all those examples you gave were an expression of the self in making decisions. I certainly wouldn't call such a struggle FREE will, though, since however you react to them, those baser instincts dominate your behavior: either in your struggle to overcome them, or in your failure to do so.
In general, I think we mostly see the conscious intent (imagined outcome and formulated plan of action) as will, and our unconscious drives (e.g. any of the seven sins) as external to that agency. Thus, the Christian view of human struggle: a good conscious intent vs. the influence of the Devil (which I'd call our animal nature or baser instinct).
However, if I am to conquer those baser instincts, either they aren't too strong, or it is in my nature to fight strongly against them. So I'd still say all those examples you gave were an expression of the self in making decisions. I certainly wouldn't call such a struggle FREE will, though, since however you react to them, those baser instincts dominate your behavior: either in your struggle to overcome them, or in your failure to do so.
