4 Steps To Stronger Willpower

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I wish I had the willpower to do that”…? 

Like every time you’re faced with the decision to eat or not eat that cupcake, or donut, or ice cream right? You’re not alone! I always wondered how the heck people stayed so on track with clean eating, their fitness goals, and their rock hard bodies! My first excuse was always, "oh, they have GREAT genetics".

We all know those people; the ones who make an excuse for everything they "want" to do, or "wish" they could do, but claim lack of willpower or motivation. I was definitely one of these people, until I learned ways around the excuses & began on a journey to a better me! Oh and guess what, it's EASY!

So, what is this willpower? According to fitness professional and New York Times Best Selling Author Charlene Johnson, "will power is having the strength to carry out your own desires, plans, and goals; it's the desire to make something happen - to ignore all the obstacles, and get it done." 

Willpower is simply a habit - a habit you can learn and master!

4 Steps To Stronger Willpower:

1. Clearly define what it is you want - DEFINE YOUR GOALS.

Throwing all your energy into something can only last so long without something bigger in mind. If your goal is to lose 15 pounds and have more energy, it'll be much easier to turn down the treats in your office knowing that choice is only a stepping stone getting your to your goal. As soon as we lose sight of our goal, temptations overwhelm us and become constant reminders of what we CAN'T have versus what we DON'T want.

2. Decide if your goals are practical.

Are you trying to lose 15 pounds this week or are you trying to lose 15 pounds in 6 weeks? We are a culture of "quick fixes" and wanting results yesterday for the work we put in. Realistically, this mindset is killing us; Both mentally and physically. 

Once you DECIDE your goal is 100% possible if you stick with a plan, your belief in yourself begins to rise and your excitement to reach that goal gives you the energy you need to make it happen! This doesn't mean it will always be rainbows and sunshine, there will be times you want to give up and throw in the towel. However, when you have a belief something is possible, instantly our subconscious mind reminds us of what we are working towards and refuels our fire to get back at it without ever needing our limited supply of willpower.

3. Forgive your mistakes - we aren't perfect!

If you cheat and eat something you shouldn't have, forgive yourself. Feelings of guilt lead us down a slippery slope into temptation. Next time you're reaching for that cookie at work, try telling yourself "I don't want it" versus "I can't have it". Many times we want something only because we think we can't have it. What can I say, we enjoy rebellion!

Forgiving yourself for a mistake increases motivation and engagement with goals.

4. Cut the temptation - cut the need for willpower. 

Willpower is like an energy supply, once it's used up, it's GONE. If we are putting ourself in constant temptation all day long, chances are by mid-afternoon, nighttime, we will have NONE left. Then you find yourself exhausted from the long day, make a justification it's okay to order pizza since you ate good all day, skip your workout because you're so tired, and of course choose to not get your food prepared for tomorrow to make sure you're set up for success. 

Are you seeing how this can eventually derail us COMPLETELY from the goal we have if we aren't careful??

So, how can you eliminate temptations??

First, figure out what your common distractions are. 

Then, make a plan on how you can avoid these temptations. 

For example, if you're trying to lose weight and junk food or sodas are a weakness, DON'T buy them! Not having them in your home will cut the possibly of you even having to try to fight the temptation of avoiding them.

Ultimately, you are 100% in control of what you achieve and what you don't achieve - with or without willpower. So what's your choice? 

If you found this helpful in your own personal life, please share it with someone who could also benefit! My goal is to help as many people as possible achieve their health and fitness goals - I can only do that with your help!

As always, thanks for stopping by! Now, go OWN your day & don't let it own you. You're in control!

Blessings, 

Brianna