5 Tricks for Sticking to Your Guns When Willpower Is Low
Whatever your goal, lack of willpower can sabotage even the best intentions.
What do you want to achieve?
Do you want to….
Goals come in all shapes and sizes, big and small, long-term and short. If you want to leave a legacy and change the world, you have to get strategic and determined in your actions.
Sharpening one of the strongest tools in your arsenal, willpower will help you stick to your guns and get stuff done.
Consider the follow science-based tricks.
It’s not enough to just have a goal; you have to have a reason for why you want to achieve it. Establishing your why will make your actions more intentional and you’ll have an easier time sticking to them.
Shift your perspective from “should” to “want.” If you simply feel like you should do something, you’ll be plagued with feelings of guilt or anxiety about what you are or are not doing. In contrast, statements such as “I want to…” or “I would like to…” are filled with hope and excitement.
Commitment is a daily endeavor. Big goals aren’t accomplished overnight; baby steps lead to big accomplishments. Get specific on what you want to achieve and break it down into smaller, actionable goals.
It may be helpful to create a list or flow chart to help keep track of your progress. Concrete goals, especially when written down hold you more accountable.
Forgive yourself when you have a slip up. Life gets busy, we encounter roadblocks, and our paths are always changing.
Know the difference between motivating yourself and shaming yourself for not performing to whatever standard you’ve set.
More often than not, we are our own worst critics and don’t give ourselves the credit or patience we would others. If you find yourself getting frustrated, ask yourself if you would push your friend as you do yourself.
Physical reminders are one of my go-to methods for accountability. In fact, I create a daily to-do list and stick it on the back of my smartphone or laptop, so it’s in my line of vision every day.
If your goal is to get in better shape, consider taping a note to your fridge: “30 minute walk” or “Only one cookie!” Likewise, an alarm on your phone can remind you to sit down and write or log-off Facebook.
An instant mood booster, smiling can help you resist temptation. Willpower is severely weakened when in a bad mood, thus increasing the odds of engaging in unproductive or unhelpful behavior.
Feeling unmotivated? Watch a funny video, call up a friend, do something to make yourself laugh and smile!
Writing a book is the most challenging, yet rewarding experience. Naturally, it takes immense willpower and desire to get your story out of your head and onto paper.
At Book Bound By The Sea, participants come together for a 3-day workshop to learn how to get their stories out, write with efficiency, self-publish and market their books.
I guarantee after just this one weekend; you’ll have your entire book out of your head. You may even be on your way to a second or third book idea!
Reserve your spot in this amazing workshop today!