Willpower is mostly defined as: “The control of one’s impulses and actions”. Kelly McGonigal, the author of: “The Willpower Instinct” defines willpower in her Ted blog as:" The ability to do what matters most, even when it’s difficult, or when some part of you doesn’t want to.” Furthermore she says: “Willpower is the ability to align yourself with the brain system that is thinking about long term goals – that is thinking about big values rather than short-term needs or desires.”

I often come across the impact of willpower whilst working with my coaching clients in connection with designing and creating their future career paths. It is often tempting for them to make decisions for their short-term needs and desires and in doing so they let go of their long-term goals. Cultivating courage, willpower and persistence are challenging for most people, but are necessary to achieve long-term goals and to accomplish one’s desires in life.

I define willpower as the driving force on the path to “moving forward”. I am absolutely convinced, from my own experiences, that willpower can be trained. I see willpower very much connected with the reason and motivation behind what we can do, what we want to achieve and the way we learn to deal with our self-control. 

To inspire you to never give up on your willpower here are my top ten quotes:

“The development of willpower – I will, I won’t and I want – may define what it means to be human.” Kelly McGonigal

“Willpower is the key to success. Successful people strive no matter what they feel by applying their will to overcome apathy, doubt or fear.” Dan Millman

“In the absence of willpower the most complete collection of virtues and talents is wholly worthless.” Aleister Crowley

“People with a strong willpower will always have the bigger picture in mind. They will be able to forgo small pleasures in order to help attain bigger goals.” Brian Adams

“With motivation you get willpower, and with willpower you get the strength to work hard for what you want.” Fred Juliusson 

“One is never born great. It is the willpower and the action, that make one great.” M.I. Soni

“Willpower is persistence and perseverance set into motion”. Byron Pulsifer

“Nothing is easy to the unwilling.” Bobby Knight

“It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.” Douglas Macarthur

“Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.” Niccolo  Machiavelli

 

Take the courage to move forward with the strength of your willpower.