Willpower is a core element of the hope equation developed by Charles Snyder.
I’ve written about willpower before and continue to think about why we sometimes need more or less of it to get things done. To remind us of the definition, willpower is both
“The ability to control one’s own actions, emotions, or urges”
and
“A strong determination that allows one to do something difficult”
I think a key to this is the idea of doing something difficult. If an activity is easy and enjoyable for us, we don’t need willpower. Therefore, we all need willpower for different activities.
Some might need it to run every day.
Others might need it to write a paper.
My Perspective
I believe we need to set up the right context to be successful.
This includes habits, routines, environment, and mindset.
We talk a lot in this blog about habits and routines.
Starting with micro habits (5 minutes). Building to 15 minutes a day and beyond.
Stacking those habits into routines that happen every day.
Using the Pomodoro technique. And so much more.
Our environment is often overlooked.
This involves setting things up to make doing the habit so much easier.
A special cozy space for the person who wants to read more – you can only read in the space.
Mise en place – Gathering all the meal ingredients before starting to cook a healthy meal.
Workout clothes laid out at night to make diving into exercise easier in the morning.
The final element is mindset.
We can have the habits, routines, and environments all set.
However, if our mindset isn’t into it, we won’t do it.
Something is blocking us.
Fear of failing.
Fear of succeeding.
Only doing it because someone else wants us to, we don’t want to meet the goal ourselves.
In my opinion, we often get willpower backwards.
We work on habits, routines, and environment first.
Mindset doesn’t set in until we are struggling.
What if we started with mindset?
Asking tough questions like:
Do we really want to meet this goal? Why?
Who are we meeting the goal for – ourselves, our family, our friends, etc.?
What would happen if we don’t meet this goal?
Are we OK with this result?
The list goes on.
Understanding our mindset first will save us a lot of time later on.
Your Turn
When you consider the goals you are working on, do they require willpower or do the activities come easily?
Do you see the routines, habits, and environment to support them?
Do you have the right mindset?
If not, can you shift the focus to mindset before getting back to the goal?