Felt like you lack the willpower to achieve your goals? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with staying motivated and focused on their objectives, including myself. Despite loving training and its numerous benefits, there are days when I find myself battling inner obstacles and struggling to get to the gym.
I share this with my clients because I want them to know that low days are normal and that even fit and strong coaches experience them. It’s okay to have low days, and they will pass. In this blog post, we will explore strategies for overcoming the lack of willpower and achieving success.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that willpower is not something we either have or don’t have. Willpower is a muscle that we can strengthen with practice. By exercising our willpower, we can increase our ability to resist temptation and stay focused on our goals.
So, how can we do this?
- Start small: Set small achievable goals and work towards them every day. As you achieve these goals, your willpower muscle will become stronger, making it easier to resist temptation and stay focused.
- Accountability: Find someone who can hold you accountable for achieving your goals. Sharing your goals with others provides external motivation and creates a sense of responsibility to follow through on what you’ve committed to doing. Additionally, tracking your progress towards your goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.
- Create a supportive environment: Surround yourself with positive influences that align with your values and goals. Remove any distractions that may hinder your progress towards your goals. For example, if your goal is to exercise regularly, make sure your workout clothes are ready, and you have a designated time and place to exercise without any interruptions.
- Practice self-compassion: It’s essential to be compassionate towards yourself. Recognise that building willpower is a journey, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. When setbacks occur, take the time to reflect on what happened and why. Use this reflection to learn from the experience and adjust your approach if necessary. Remember, self-compassion is not the same as self-indulgence. It’s about being kind and understanding towards yourself while holding yourself accountable for your actions.
By starting small, being accountable, creating a supportive environment, and practicing self-compassion, you can increase your willpower and achieve your goals. Building willpower is a journey, and setbacks are part of the process. Keep going, stay focused, and you will succeed. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
