We hear about willpower a lot—it’s all about self-control and managing our impulses. It plays a big role in staying motivated and reaching our goals, so it’s definitely worth exploring. We spoke with Benjamin Hardy, the author of “Willpower Doesn’t Work,” to learn more about getting motivated and effective goal-setting. Does it all come down to willpower, or is there something more?
Benjamin Hardy has led an inspiring life, overcoming significant challenges, just like the rest of us. He’s a well-known writer in self-improvement, motivation, and entrepreneurship, so interviewing him was a great opportunity to uncover the secrets to achieving our goals.
The concept of willpower has been studied extensively and is generally believed to be like a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. However, relying solely on willpower takes a lot of energy and isn’t sustainable for long-term changes. It’s important to recognize that our environment significantly influences us, often more than our own choices. Hardy’s book, “Willpower Doesn’t Work,” focuses on how we can shape our surroundings to make success more likely.
Instead of forcing yourself out of bed to hit the gym, why not team up with a workout buddy who can motivate you with a morning text? This way, you’ve set up conditions that make it easier to follow through.
At DIY Active, we’re big fans of using accountability systems like workout partners. Relying too heavily on willpower can actually be counterproductive. The key is designing your environment to support your highest goals, making the journey enjoyable rather than a chore.
Benjamin shared how money motivated him and his wife to invest in his blog, Benjaminhardy.com, despite both having $15 an hour jobs. Sometimes, investing in yourself—like buying new running shoes—can be the push you need to start taking action. Sharing progress on social media or signing up for an event can also motivate you and reduce the need for sheer willpower.
Creating a supportive environment helps you avoid situations that trigger old habits. For example, changing your daily route can prevent temptations like buying a soda. Without changing your environment, even the strongest willpower might not lead to lasting change. It’s not just about resisting; it’s about altering the spaces you inhabit.
In the end, your surroundings often have a greater impact on your behavior than your inner determination. The best approach is to design environments that support your goals. Willpower is important, but it shouldn’t be relied on alone to achieve success. By engineering environments to support our objectives, we make it easier for willpower to assist us.
Interested in learning more about staying motivated? Grab Hardy’s book, “Willpower Doesn’t Work,” for a comprehensive guide on how altering your environment can help you achieve any goal. Benjamin Hardy, a leading self-improvement writer, shares insights from his own experiences to help readers thrive by shaping their surroundings. His work reveals that willpower alone isn’t enough—creating the right environment is the key to success. Ready to change your environment and habits?
