Willpower Is Not Enough

In my writing, I often discuss the limitations of relying solely on willpower. Studies have shown that willpower is a finite resource that can be depleted over time. For example, if you have a stressful day at work and use willpower to avoid lashing out at someone, you may not have as much willpower left to resist the temptation of fast food on the drive home.

However, I acknowledge that this understanding of willpower is not comprehensive. The concept of willpower as a finite resource is useful in helping people understand that willpower alone is not enough to make lasting changes, but it is not the full picture.

Willpower can be both finite and malleable depending on various factors such as habits and external motivation. For example, if you build a habit of exercising, you may find that you have more willpower to resist fast food later in the day. Similarly, giving in to temptations can deplete willpower, but using willpower can also lead to stronger willpower over time.

Therefore, it is important to understand that willpower is not the only tool available to overcome temptations. Instead, developing strong habits and learning strategies to succeed without relying solely on willpower can lead to better long-term results and help you grow the power of your will over time.

I use a technique called Setting the Minimum. This entails shifting from using major action steps to reach goals, to using tiny behaviors.

It starts by determining what can be done every day to work towards a goal. I use this as a baseline, but I make it microscopic. It is so small that it becomes easy to do it.

I only need a small amount of willpower because it is so easy. Over time this solidifies. It becomes a powerful habit that is hard to break. Instead of massive effort and willpower, this technique requires the smallest amount possible. But over time, it strengthens and grows my willpower because I have confidence that I can keep going with it.

This is why I say willpower is finite and it isn’t enough. It is because we should explore other strategies, so we don’t get let down by our lacking willpower. Instead, we find ways to grow and improve and this results in confidence and rising self-control.