This is a little different than being committed to a goal. Willpower focuses more on the moment to moment decisions we make in relation to our intentions. Let’s face it; you can set all the intentions you want but if you don’t have the willpower to stick to them you won’t get far. You may have to devote your time and energy to develop your willpower.
Devoting Time and Energy
Most of us have strong willpower until it’s tested by temptation or challenges. We’ll be sticking to a new healthy eating plan, feeling fine – until a coworker brings in a box of donuts, or until the scale stops being cooperative. We’re committed to working on our goals every day – until we decide we’re not seeing results as quickly as we’d like.
In order to achieve a goal and manifest the outcome you want, you need to work on it daily. Not just physically, although physical action is part of it. But I mean also mentally and energetically – building up the energy, intention, and inner vision in addition to taking action.
If you don’t do that, you won’t be putting forth enough focus to make the goal reality.
The Remedy:
How do you strengthen your willpower so that you will put forth the time and effort to keep working on your goals? The best way I’ve found is simply to create a daily practice. You may set an intention to work on it consistently and stick to that intention like glue. You could start with smaller intentions if you feel overwhelmed by bigger ones; for example, set an intention to avoid eating sugar for just one day, or an intention to work on your goals for just 10 minutes each day.
The most important thing is to not give up when you slip. If you give in to temptation once, simply strengthen your resolve and start again. The more you do that, the stronger your willpower is going to get. It is a process, however, so don’t expect yourself to display tremendous willpower right away. Just keep practicing setting intentions and following through with them and before long it will get easier to dismiss any temptations that come your way.
You can also use the power of visualization to strengthen your willpower. Visualize yourself easily being able to ignore temptations; or eagerly spending time working on your goals each day. The more you focus on being committed and empowered about your goals, the more you will find yourself displaying that strength and focus when you really need it.