Willpower is not unlimited

A lesson I learned the hard way.

I once believed that willpower was an unlimited resource.

This is 💯 incorrect. I tested that when I tried to:

• Live on a 48 hour “day” schedule: up 36 // sleep 12.
• Walk from 8th and Mission to Yosemite in the middle of summer

Like a muscle, Willpower can be strengthened through training but it also has limits.

Push it too far and it will fail you when you need it most.

You use up your Willpower anytime you’re acting against your habits and default behavior.

The same is true for Resilience — it’s a scarce resource.

We’re not invincible, no matter how much grit and determination we have. There’s no shame in recognizing when we’ve hit our limit.

But here’s the empowering realization:

We can strengthen and extend both our willpower and resilience through conscious, intentional practice.

Just like building physical strength requires a smart training plan, building mental strength requires strategy and self-awareness.

Notice which activities drain your reserves and which ones recharge you.

Schedule accordingly.

Prioritize rest and rejuvenation.

Don’t fall into the trap of glorifying burnout.

You are not weak for having limits. You are human. The most resilient people I know are masters at honoring their boundaries. They’re in it for the long game.

So flex your willpower, but respect its limits. Train your resilience, but tend to it with care.

We’ve got incredible potential for inner strength. The key is learning how to harness and sustain it.