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The Myth of Willpower |
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The Myth of Willpower |
Even the best intentions to improve your wellness can go awry. You set a worthy goal, vow to make it happen but find yourself back at the starting line wondering why it didn’t stick. Did your “willpower” let you down — or is something else at play? The truth is, willpower is like a battery, it’ll give you a quick boost of energy but then it runs out. Lasting change needs a more stable energy source — a strong wellness foundation. The Secret of Lasting Change
“If you believe you’re a person who fuels their body well, then healthy choices become part of your routine,” explains Hayley Flott, PDRMA Wellness Consultant. “You aren’t fighting against yourself anymore; you’re simply reflecting your values and personal identity. When your habits are rooted in your foundation, they stick, because they become part of who you are, not just another task on your to-do list.” Examine Your Values Your habits, your identity and your core values create a strong bond that makes your wellness foundation stable. Identifying these values is essential in blueprinting your wellness plan, as they’re the anchor points for everything you do. Values include things like energy, peace, connection, autonomy, empathy, focus, generosity, discipline and many more. Essentially, they're what makes you…you! Reframe Your Goal
The best way to do this is to connect your habit directly to how you want to feel. Instead of just saying you’re going to "walk 10 minutes a day," tie it to one of your values: "I value feeling peaceful and mentally focused, which is exactly how I feel after I walk." When you focus on that emotional reward, you aren't just checking a task off a list — you’re doing something to become the person you want to be! Build on a Strong Foundation Connecting your values to your goals and habits helps you create authentic, achievable goals. Values anchor your plan and carry you far beyond willpower alone. Building habits that affirm your values keep your foundation strong, allowing you to maintain your new healthy habits for the long haul. PATH Resources If this article sparks a new idea for you, consider these resources to learn more about setting authentic goals that stick.
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Creating a wellness foundation that lasts isn’t only dependent on what you do but, more importantly, who you believe you are; your values and identity. When you align your habits with your foundation, healthy choices start to feel natural rather than forced. Sure, you might “will” yourself to eat fewer calories — and maybe lose a few pounds for a month or so. But if you feel like you’re forcing yourself to keep that weight off, those calories will eventually find their way right back into your diet.
Once you understand your values, you can rethink your goal and connect it to what matters most to you. This transforms change from being a chore (I have to) to an action that supports who you are (I get to). 