No Willpower? No Problem

Here's a surprising truth: willpower is not the secret to achieving your health goals. And science backs it up. 

In a fascinating study, 159 participants were asked to set four goals and track potential temptations that might derail them, as well as how much self-control they needed to resist those temptations. Three months later, the results were surprising: willpower had no connection to goal progress. 

In other words, the more self-control someone exerted to avoid temptations didn’t improve their chances of success.

So, what does work? 

As I've shared with my clients time and time again, planning and preparation are far more effective than relying on willpower alone. When you proactively set up your environment to minimize temptation, you're reducing the need for self-control in the first place. People who seem to have boundless self-discipline simply have an environment that supports their goals, making it easier to stay on track.

What’s powerful about this discovery is that planning and preparation are skills you can develop. This shifts the focus away from the common belief, “I just don’t have enough willpower,” which often leads to feelings of failure or shame. The reality is that we all have similar levels of willpower, but success comes from creating an environment where we don’t need to tap into it all the time.

For example, if you schedule your workout ahead of time and lay out your gym clothes the night before, you’re more likely to follow through. Similarly, filling your fridge with healthy, easy-to-reach options like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins makes healthy eating an automatic choice. It’s also important to take care of your internal environment: after a restful night’s sleep and a balanced breakfast, even the office candy bowl becomes less of a temptation.

The key takeaway is this: planning leads to consistency, and consistency leads to results. It’s not about relying on willpower when the going gets tough. It's about designing your day and environment in a way that makes achieving your health goals seamless and sustainable.

Next time you're working toward a health goal, ask yourself: How can I set myself up for success today, so I don't have to fight temptation tomorrow?

This blog and website do not provide medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Always check with your own healthcare provider before taking a new supplement and before making any significant diet, lifestyle, exercise or other changes. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.