22/07/2025
Stop Relying on Willpower and Motivation: Discover a More Effective Way to Change—It’s Time!
How many times have you started a new diet, exercise program, or hobby, only to last a few weeks—maybe even a few months. You saw some progress, felt fantastic, but then life got in the way. Suddenly, you got busy, dropped the ball, and “couldnt find the time” Sound familiar? 🤔
When it comes to lasting change—whether in health, productivity, or life—most people think willpower or motivation are the keys. But this approach is flawed. We only have so much willpower and external motivation, and I’ve seen it over and over again with my clients over the last 28 years.
The problem with motivation and willpower is they are both finite and fluctuating resources. When motivation fades and willpower is depleted, old habits will quickly resurface.
Instead, the foundation of real, sustainable discipline lies in setting your own personal standards—clear, non-negotiable rules that align with your core values, identity, and who you want to be. This is where the magic happens, and why my behaviour Change clients see real lasting change!
Time for a Change
It’s time to shift how we define discipline—from a never-ending battle of self-control to an ongoing devotion to your highest values through personal standards. These standards are “level 10 effort into level 10 problems”—you focus your energy on the most important challenges in your life and set clear, identity-based rules that guide your daily actions.
For example, instead of saying, “I’ll try to work out more,” a personal standard would be, “I don’t miss my morning Training” Instead of “I want to cut back on alcohol,” it becomes “I have 5 alcohol-free days every week.” And instead of “I want to get more sleep,” you might say, “I set a 9 PM bedtime alarm every night, so I get to bed on time” These are non-negotiable! 😎
A critical starting point is asking yourself:
- Do my goals truly align with my big “why”?
- Who am I currently, based on my habits?
- Who do I want to be? What would success look like?
When you don’t set and live by personal standards you will find it easy to fall back into old behaviors actions and quality of life that’s far below what you deserve 🛑
I have a great resource that takes you through this step-by-step. Drop me a message if you want it!
Here are some practical steps to help you build your personal standards
1. Identify the habits holding you back (e.g., late nights, unplanned/binge eating, daily alcohol consumption).
2. Set clear, specific standards that replace those habits (e.g., consistent bedtime, planned meals, alcohol free days).
3. Make your standards non-negotiable—“I go to bed at 9 PM every night.”
4. Build systems that automate these actions, reducing reliance on willpower. Set a 9pm alarm every night and go to bed, and tell your spouse, partner, or coach to help keep you accountable.
When you adopt personal standards, you don’t just improve temporarily. You shift your identity and daily behaviors, creating truly life-changing results. You become a high performer, not by willpower alone, but by living to your personal standards! 💪
If you would like my FREE 5-Day “Set The Standard” online course, drop me a message below. Let me help you make real, lasting change in your life!