Willpower 101: 8 Methods to Enhance This Essential Success Skill

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      Willpower is a stronger predictor of academic and professional success than IQ, charisma, or having wealthy parents. While it isn't the only factor in our success, it is a crucial one—and it's something I find challenging at times. So, how can we increase our willpower?

      Derek Doepker from ExcuseProof.com is an authority on boosting willpower and strengthening this vital success trait we all possess. He has authored seven bestselling personal development books, and he is a speaker, consultant, and trainer dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting change and success in mind, body, and business in as little as five minutes a day.

      In this episode, we explore several effective willpower strategies you can implement today. A big thank you to my brother Chris for the inspiration behind this topic. Be sure to read his fantastic article on willpower at BecomingBetter.org.

      Related: 5 Ways to Enhance Your Effectiveness Every Day—in Just 5 Minutes.

      1. The Identity Habit

      Derek explains that our actions often stem from our self-identity. We all hold identities and beliefs about ourselves, making it difficult to act contrary to them. For instance, if you see yourself as driven, hardworking, and highly accomplished, your behavior will likely reflect these traits. However, this can also work negatively. Derek mentioned he had to shift some of his habits; during high school, he often consumed junk food but realized he wanted to change this behavior at a certain point.

      Who Do I Want to Be?

      He began reading about how junk food impacts health and connected it to his low energy levels and skin issues, prompting him to reflect, “Who do I want to be?”

      “I aim to be a strong, fit, vibrant individual,” Derek shared. He recognized that altering his behavior could help transform his self-image by affirming and acting differently. The key was figuring out how to begin acting like that future version of himself today.

      By eliminating junk food from his diet, he noticed improvements in his health, which helped him align with the identity he envisioned.

      Motivations

      For those finding it challenging to initiate similar changes, Derek advises evaluating the short- and long-term consequences of not making changes to motivate yourself. “Simply telling myself to be healthy wouldn’t have been motivating,” he revealed, stressing the importance of identifying a strong “why” for the change.

      Decisions vs. Beliefs

      One insightful tip Derek offered was to refer to your willpower efforts as a “decision” rather than a “belief.” For example, saying, “I’ve decided to prioritize my health” carries more weight than, “I believe I prioritize my health.” He noted a significant distinction between “I don’t” and “I can’t.” Research has shown that 80% of individuals with an “I don’t” mindset achieve results compared to only 10% of those with an “I can’t” mindset. (“I don’t eat cake” versus “I can’t eat cake,” for example.) This is because “I can’t” feels imposed, whereas “I don’t” feels like a choice.

      2. Keep the Kryptonite Away

      “Your environment is more potent than your willpower.”

      The idea is to minimize reliance on willpower by structuring your environment so that positive choices are the default. However, we are not alone in this; how do we gain support from family, friends, or colleagues when making changes that affect them and require their backing?

      To navigate this, approach it like a salesperson and consider what's in it for them. What shared goals do you have? Derek illustrated this with an entrepreneurial example: if you're attempting to enhance your lifestyle for yourself and your family, showing them your goals can garner their support.

      3. “Should Dos” Before “Have To Dos”

      This revolves around managing energy rather than just time. “When do you have the most energy to tackle your tasks?” he pondered. Some individuals allocate time for their side hustles in the morning, others in the afternoon, and some even in the evening. Derek prefers to handle his most demanding and creative tasks early in the morning when he feels fresh and energized. Although he experimented with the Miracle Morning routine, he no longer adheres to it; however, he does maintain a 10-minute stretching and voice exercise regimen each morning.

      Is Willpower Finite?

      Derek identifies two schools of thought regarding willpower: one view asserts that it is a limited resource, and you deplete it throughout the day. The other argues that if you believe you have unlimited willpower, you will. Practically, Derek adopts the belief that he can manage all necessary tasks while conserving