Many people struggle with working out, and it usually comes down to finding the motivation to get through the pain.

In this post, I will share my perspective on how working out is actually a means to build willpower, and can improve all areas of life.

Let’s start with understanding a basic approach to how one might build willpower, as taught by Dandapani:

3 ways to increase willpower:

– Finish What You Start: Commit to tasks as a long-term endeavor. Instead of seeing it as a one-time effort, approach it as an ongoing commitment to yourself.

– Do a Little More: Incorporate progressive overload into your routine, gradually pushing your limits and challenging yourself to do more over time.

– Do a Little Better: Pay attention to the finer details in tasks. This not only enhances the effectiveness of what you do, but also builds your ability to concentrate and improve.

In a recent interview on Andrew Huberman’s podcast, David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL, ultra-endurance athlete, and author, shared his thoughts on willpower and it’s importance. According to Goggins, willpower is something you build as a skill, not something you’re born with. Even more importantly, it diminishes when it’s not used. Ultimately, David Goggins contributes much of his success to the strength of his will.

I’ve seen this transition in my own life when it comes to working out. When I first started, there was much more resistance to getting started. But over time, as I set and achieved goals, I realized as much as it can suck sometimes, it’s worth it. Once it felt normal in working out, I started to see how this mindset and approach could be applied to other areas of life like studying, business, relationships.

It’s hard to emphasize enough just how much confidence can grow from building willpower through working out. Within months, it can become a regular occurrence to see yourself push past limits your mind tried to convince you was impossible. After seeing it over and over, a question will start to form, ‘What else am I capable of?’. Seeing your true strength during your workouts also gives you a new perspective on your capabilities. If they’re not tested, it’s hard to know exactly how strong you are.

In summary, working out is a great way to building willpower. It equips you with the discipline, resilience, and mental strength needed to overcome life’s challenges. I hope this posts encourages you to embrace the challenges of exercise as a path to personal growth and self-improvement. Remember, the pain you endure during your workouts is not in vain; it’s an investment in your willpower and, ultimately, in your success.

Start today, and witness the incredible changes that await you on this path of self-improvement and personal growth.