265. Why You Don’t Need More Willpower

19/06/2025 18 min

Listen "265. Why You Don’t Need More Willpower"

Episode Synopsis

I used to think the secret to fitness success was simple: just get more willpower. Boy, was I wrong.In this eye-opening episode, I'm breaking down why "you just need more willpower" might be the most damaging advice in the fitness world. Spoiler alert: if you've been beating yourself up for lacking willpower, this one's gonna be a game-changer.As someone who's spent 15+ years in the fitness industry, I've seen this myth destroy more progress than any other single belief. It's time we set the record straight.In this episode, you'll discover:Why willpower works like a phone battery (and yours is probably at 2% by evening)The shocking truth about people who seem to have "endless self-control"Why shame kills momentum and what actually creates lasting changeThe research-backed systems that successful people use instead of relying on willpowerHow to redesign your life so healthy choices become automaticWhy it's not a moral failure when you skip workouts or eat cookiesStop trying to muscle through every temptation and start building a life that supports the person you want to become.Chapters:00:34 The Myth of Willpower02:07 Understanding Willpower as a Limited Resource05:09 Building Systems and Strategies for Success16:21 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsStudies referenced:https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.74.5.1252https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4731333/If you're enjoying the Begin Within Health Show, please consider subscribing/following and leaving a 5-star review! It helps the show reach more people who could benefit from these conversations.Follow for more:⁠https://www.instagram.com/natesleger/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@natesleger⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/beginwithinfit⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@beginwithin3785⁠