When you think about “willpower,” what comes to mind? If you’re anything like me, the concept might feel a bit… icky. For years, willpower felt like a forceful action—something I needed to “white-knuckle” my way through. It was tied to my dieting days, where I would beat myself up for not having “enough” of it. The idea of willpower left me feeling defeated and inadequate.
But recently, while listening to a meditation, I had a huge “aha” moment. That moment completely changed how I view willpower—and today, I’m sharing this perspective with you.
The Problem with Traditional Willpower
For so long, willpower felt like a battle. I saw it as something I had to muster up to resist temptation or force myself to take certain actions. It felt like an external energy I needed but often lacked, which fueled a “lack” mentality.
If you’ve ever said to yourself, “I just don’t have enough willpower,” you know what I mean. This mindset turns willpower into a struggle, something tied to self-judgment and, often, excuses.
A New Perspective: Willpower as Mental Direction
What if willpower wasn’t about forcing yourself to act? What if it was about guiding your thoughts instead?
Here’s the big takeaway I had: Willpower isn’t about controlling actions—it’s about willing your thoughts in the direction you want to go. Think of it like a GPS. Your goal is the destination, and your thoughts are the directions guiding you there.
When your thoughts are clear, kind, and aligned with your goal, the journey feels smoother. But when your thoughts are scattered or negative, it’s like getting lost. The GPS keeps rerouting, making the path harder and longer.
Reframing Willpower
Let’s reframe willpower into something that works with us, not against us. Instead of using it to push yourself into action, use it to guide your thinking. Here’s how:
Notice Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts will always pop up—that’s just part of being human. The key is not to judge them but to notice them. For example, if you think, “I’ll never stop emotional eating,” simply recognize that as a thought—not a fact.
Reframe with Compassion
Replace negative thoughts with kinder, more empowering ones. Instead of, “I can’t do this,” try, “I’m learning and improving every day.” Choose a thought that feels believable and supportive.
Practice Daily
Changing the way you think takes time and consistency. It’s not about flipping a switch—it’s about gradual progress. With practice, you’ll start to notice how your thoughts shape your actions and your outcomes.
Visualization Exercise: Take the Wheel
Here’s a simple visualization exercise to help you harness the power of willpower:
Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Picture your goal. Maybe it’s feeling more at peace with food, exercising regularly, or simply feeling good in your body.
Imagine you’ve achieved that goal. How do you feel? Proud, joyful, lighter? Sit with that feeling for a moment.
Identify the thoughts you’ve been having about this goal. Are they helping or holding you back?
Reframe those thoughts with kinder, more supportive ones. For example, replace “I’ll never get there” with “I’m taking one step at a time, and that’s enough.”
Visualize these new thoughts as clear directions on your GPS, leading you smoothly to your goal.
Trust the Process
Changing your mindset isn’t an overnight fix—it’s a practice. There will be moments of doubt and frustration, but you have the power to refocus. Think of it as bottling up the feeling of success and revisiting it whenever you need encouragement.
This approach to willpower isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By shifting your thoughts, you’ll notice how much smoother the journey to your goals becomes.
Final Thoughts
Willpower doesn’t have to feel forceful or draining. By reframing it as a mental GPS, you can guide yourself toward the life you want with clarity and confidence.
The next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, remember this: Pause, check your GPS, and choose a thought that leads you closer to your goal.
You’ve got this. Keep practicing, stay patient, and trust yourself. The journey is yours to navigate.
If this perspective resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s one belief about willpower you’re ready to reframe? Share it in an email to amy@amyenglishcc.com.
xo,
Amy English, Fat2Fierce® Empowering women to take back their power with food and find peace with their bodies.
For a deeper dive into rethinking willpower, listen to the latest episode of Fat2Fierce®: The Confidence Chronicles. In this episode, I explore how to shift from forceful action to thoughtful intention, using willpower as a mental GPS to guide your thoughts toward your goals. Let’s take this journey together—one thought, one step, and one empowering choice at a time—toward a life of confidence, clarity, and self-trust.
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