Free will is an oxymoron, as a will free of cause would be equally free of effect and the premise of will is to affect. We are part of nature's process of selection, even if a very small part.

Consider the notion of willpower; What does it mean, other than controlling short term desires in favor of longer term benefits. Individually or collectively.

So both are desires. All the mind tries to do, is referee among them.

The will is driven by desire. It is only mediated by judgement. Not all desires are healthy, nor all decisions wise. So our consciousness has to constantly bounce around and weigh all the possibilties.

As such, it seeks to grow, whether expanding on the old, or transcending it.