Over the last four years, I’ve written a lot about the hope equation.
The formula by Charles Snyder that Hope = Goals + Willpower + Waypower.
Many posts have supported setting goals, building motivation, and designing our Plan B.
That’s why a phrase mentioned in a Next Big Idea podcast episode caught my attention.
In this episode, Sebastian Purcell discusses his book The Outward Path: The Wisdom of the Aztecs.
One of the insights shared was about willpower.
He said the Aztecs viewed willpower as having three elements:
- Drive: The motivation behind a project or goal. The initial energy and enthusiasm.
- Durability: The ability to persist and endure hardship. Our practice and habits over the long run.
- Discipline: The ability to maintain habits and routines in the face of distractions.
My Perspective
I like this breakdown of willpower and the breakdown of three different elements.
I’ve written about all of these but seeing them together shows the impact of the system.
We need drive, durability, and discipline to meet our goals.
We can’t rely on just one leg of the stool.
If one falls, the whole system topples.
Your Turn
Which of the three elements of willpower do you struggle with the most?
Which one is the strongest?
Considering one of your goals, does this help frame why you are (or are not) making progress?