The Power of Willpower

We live in a world today that encourages indulging. Phrases like the following are commonly seen or insinuated in ads today.

"You work hard everyday, you deserve to buy those shoes." OR
"You worked out today? Have some ice cream."

I know I have said these same things to myself to encourage myself to splurge. And I will admit that splurging feels nice. It's nice to want something and then go out and get it.

Recently I have discovered that there is something that feels even better than indulging. That something is willpower.

Have you ever gone to a store and decided not to buy something? Not because it didn't fit or there was nothing that you liked, but because you had a little pep talk with yourself and you decided you simply didn't need it? Or have you been out to eat and actually gone with the healthy option that you planned and then felt great afterwards? Being in control of yourself is an amazing feeling! And that is the feeling that I'm talking about.

In our culture we are encouraged to live it up! Eat whatever, buy whatever, do whatever...as long as it makes you feel good in the moment. But I am here to suggest that there is a better way.

I have found that having willpower and exercising self-control is a freeing way to live. And it's possible as long as you make up your mind to do it.

The easiest way that I have found to have more willpower in something is to learn a lot about it. For example: Do you have a goal to drink 8 glasses of water a day? Then read a lot about it until you are convinced that you need to do it for yourself. Once you are convinced that it is something that will benefit you, you will have more willpower to do it for yourself. Knowledge is power. So once you gain the knowledge and have determination you will have the willpower to complete your goals. It's a simple formula.

Determination + Knowledge = Willpower

Willpower can take our goals and dreams and make them our reality. Go make it happen.