Q&A: I need willpower, where can I find it?

You know, willpower can be a bit fickle. It's there one moment, and the next, it seems to vanish into thin air. So, how do you keep moving forward toward your goals even when motivation takes a back seat? Well, the answer lies in developing good ol' self-discipline.

We've all been there, right? We start our fitness journey with all the enthusiasm in the world, but then late-night cravings hit, or that cozy bed in the morning just won't let go. It happens to the best of us.

Now, if you're feeling like you're lacking willpower, don't be too hard on yourself. Even the most successful folks out there need a little boost from time to time.

So, stick around because today, I'm going to show you how to build self-discipline. It's like having your own reliable cheerleader, even on the days when willpower decides to play hide and seek.

Here are the 10 qualities of people with self-discipline:

Self-disciplined people:

- Have a clear goal or a sense of purpose in mind.

This is essentially your 'why'. Your reason for doing this. This comes in handy when you are stressed and your willpower or motivation starts to die down. Remembering your reason for doing this will rekindle your motivation.

- Have self-confidence

Or develop self-confidence in their abilities by finding evidence that they have successfully reached other goals in the past.

- Are organized with their goals.

Instead of looking at the big picture, they break down their goals into micro-goals or baby steps.

- Find a mentor, coach or someone to model.

If you are trying to say, lose a large amount of weight but you feel it's impossible, seeing how someone else did it will give you optimism. If they could do it, so can you.

- Learn whatever they need to learn to reach their goals.

If you don't know how to put a fitness plan together, you will reach out to a professional to learn from them or read fitness books.

- Are persistent, stubborn, and razor-focused on their goals.

Nothing stands in their way. If there is a setback, they get up and continue.

- Know that time is going to pass so they might as well do something to get closer to their goals.

Too tired to exercise today? It's okay to rest and skip your workout, just don't get completely lazy in front of the TV. Put on some music and dance around your house. You can also go for an enjoyable walk or do some yoga. When you keep moving, you keep moving towards your goals.

- See failure as just another lesson.

People with self-discipline do not give up when faced with failures. They take a moment to see what went wrong and how it can be improved next time. When you were a baby, you didn't know how to walk. But did you give up after the first few times you fell down?

- Find a way to see work as pleasure or play.

Find ways to make hard things fun. Maybe ask a friend to work out with you, or put together a playlist of music from high school.

I know that willpower is something we all want to have 24-7, but motivation and willpower diminish over time. What you want is something solid that will be there when you need it.

Believe me, I know what it's like to have a fitness goal and have days where it doesn't seem worth it. Maybe you aren't seeing progress, or maybe you are burnt out or can't break through a plateau.

Whatever the case is, you aren't alone. We are only an email or text away 😉

Thanks for reading, and remember that you are doing this because you love yourself.

Nancy