Why willpower isn’t the problem

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I just need more motivation,” you’re not alone. But motivation isn’t the real issue. The problem is perfectionism, procrastination, and a lack of self-trust. You don’t need to overhaul your whole life – you need to take one small, manageable step that helps you feel better today.

There is no quick fix to putting a new habit in place, nor is there an easy route to follow. A habit will always take willpower, commitment and consistency. But, when fear sets in about your ability to make the change happen, you fill your head with negativity which quickly spreads and takes hold, making you believe you’re not capable or worthy of doing it. So you don’t even get off the starting block. You tell yourself it’s ok, you are fine to stay put, forget the change and building any new habits.

If you’re at a point in your life where you know that something needs to change because you’re struggling, maybe due to overwhelm, stress, constant tiredness or lack of focus, you’re probably at a crossroads. You feel unsure which direction to go in, afraid of taking a path that’s too challenging and unfamiliar. So, you keep moving forward in the same direction. You take the easy option.

Getting clear on how you want to look back on your life brings the opportunity to create the vision now of how you truly want to live your life. Let this vision guide you down the right path, not the easy path.

There are so many different types of coaches and what exactly you would go to a coach for, can be pretty confusing. All coaches want to help you get the transformation you desire. They will work with you to help you get clarity on what it is you want, what’s standing in your way of getting it, and how you’re going to make the changes to get what it is you want. They want to help you find the answers and unlock the potential you already have inside of you. They are there to provide support, collaboration, and accountability.

Think about what it is you’ve been holding off on from your list of goals because it just seems so far from reach. What did you decide to do and try to dive straight into, but quickly hit a brick wall because you didn’t know where to start, or began doubting your ability?

Once we’ve got clear on what we want to achieve or have in our lives, we need to make it happen right away. This can be a great driver in many respects. It can help you to get motivated and take appropriate action to achieve what you want. On the flip side, however, it can have detrimental effects. 

I hadn’t significantly climbed the career ladder, I’d progressed steadily with great performance and feedback on my contribution to the business. I didn’t step up to a director role, like some of those I’d interviewed and brought into the company years before. I suppose I'd plodded, always contributing and diligent, but never taking the next big leap. Something had held me back, that inner voice chattering endlessly, making sure I knew my limits. 

I’d been at Nike for 20 years, dedicated nearly half my life to the company. I’d earned the respect of my colleagues and was a valued member of an international team, at one of the biggest brands in the world. I’d always get an appreciative reaction when I introduced myself in meetings, gave my Nike story and said how long I’d been with the company. I wasn’t smug about it; I was proud. I’d committed myself to Nike and could be relied upon. The longer I was there, the more settled and content I felt. I guess it made me feel safe.