Between being able to and actually doing something lies an ocean, and on its bottom rests all too often the wreck of willpower. ––Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
“I should’ve, I could’ve, …” I've heard that a lot. It's a convenient excuse for not meeting goals or for missing opportunities. Often coupled with explanations as to why something is not possible. It’s giving up before you've even tried. Out of joy, fear, or because people were just brought up that way. “Be careful not to fall,” or “You will hurt yourself”—who hasn't heard that before?
These "wisdoms" accompany us throughout our lives. Later, we apply them to relationships we end before they even start ("Don't even try that, you'll never get someone like her anyway"), or jobs we don’t get because we didn’t even try ("There are hundreds of applicants, forget it, you don’t stand a chance"). That’s just the way things are, and it can’t be changed …
Wait, what? Is this really true? I don't know that things can’t be changed, nor do I know of any studies to corroborate this. On the contrary, I am convinced that it doesn't have to, and shouldn't, be like this. Actually, we all can change the way things work—by not looking for 99 reasons why something won’t work, but by seizing that chance the moment it presents itself instead. Think of it that way: you just have to find one opportunity instead of 99 obstacles.
Willpower, commonly referred to as “self-discipline,” is what helps us create lasting positive change in our lives. It is the inner strength that helps us move toward our goals despite challenges that will inevitably appear on the way.
Willpower plays an important role when it comes to success. Acquiring a willpower mindset is a journey and requires work, it won’t happen overnight. But it can happen! Thoughts are not facts, and by changing your way of thinking, by swapping negative for positive thoughts, a whole new world of possibilities will open up to you.
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