Have you ever wondered, what separates high achievers from the rest? Is it connections? Luck? Intelligence? Or some Marvel-like superpower? Or do they have access to limitless pills? These factors play a part, but the secret lies somewhere else. We’ll discuss the secret in this blog post.
While many of us think that lacking the necessary resources is what stops us from achieving our dreams, we must remember that these external factors can be overcome. The real separator is simple, yet powerful: “Will Power”. It is the internal resource that everybody has but very few pay emphasis to.
Willpower: The Secret
Willpower is the ability to resist short-term temptations in order to meet your long-term goals. Despite challenges, it gives you the inner strength to overcome obstacles and challenges in your way. Every project and task will inevitably face challenges and problems. But do you have internal resources to face the challenges and move forward? That’s where willpower comes in.
Why Willpower?
Consider two people, Ram and Shyam. Ram is intelligent, but lacks willpower. Whereas Shyam is average but has an abundance of willpower.
Ram can devise plans and strategies but doesn’t have the willpower to do the work. While Shyam might be weak on the intellectual side but possess strong willpower to navigate through adversities and obstacles. Who do you think has more chance of being successful in the longer run? You got it right.
Boost your willpower.
Is it possible to boost your willpower? Definitely. Some people naturally possess willpower, but it’s not fixed. At times, I used to have an abundance of willpower. I was acing my classes and was at the top of my class. Whereas, at times I lost my willpower. Willpower is like a muscle, and we’ll go through a few steps to train the same.
1. Start Small
If you ever stepped into the gym, you must know the importance of starting small. If you are running for a marathon, you need to start with small, achievable goals. Training for willpower is the same. These SMART goals will not only boost your willpower but also will be in building your self-confidence.
2. Mindfulness and Meditation
If you, like me, are striving to reach high standards, one tool that might surprise you in its effectiveness is meditation. This practice has been a cornerstone in my journey, teaching me patience and offering a training ground for self-control. What you gain from meditating is the ability to resist distractions, a skill that’s increasingly valuable in our fast-paced, instant-gratification world. Remember, though, mastery of meditation won’t come instantly. In an era where we are used to quick dopamine hits lasting mere seconds, cultivating patience and self-control through meditation might require some perseverance. But trust me, the rewards are worth the effort.
3. You are what you eat
While the title might suggest you to cannibalism, you don’t need to eat people with an abundance of willpower to be one! I’m referring to a healthy lifestyle. Physical health and willpower are interconnected. You need to maintain regular sleep, exercise, plenty of water, and adequate sleep to boost your willpower. A healthy body contributes to your willpower.
Next time you feel defeated, remember the potent tool you have at your disposal: Willpower. Everybody you know faced problems and challenges in the journey to their goal. And the only thing that separated winners from the losers is the willpower they had to do what they needed to do.
What small step will you take today to strengthen your will and move an inch towards your goal? Share your commitment in the comments below, and let’s support each other in the journey to become high achievers.