Can we PLEASE stop with the “willpower obsession”? Please?
First, everyone’s definition of willpower is different.
A few months ago, I was listening to a back episode of Joe Rogan with David Goggins who told the story about running 100 miles on a track with zero training for it.
Last weekend, I ran into a friend who hadn’t had a sip of alcohol since NYE.
I’m sharing this because their definitions of “willpower” are vastly different – especially David Goggins who is an absolute freak (in a good way).
Now, the problem, is that in both cases, willpower runs out.
It’s a finite resource that will ultimately deplete.
How quickly is up to you.
Instead of relying on willpower, the trick to getting started is gaining momentum.
Start with the small, and you can have it all.
Too many golfers want to start with the big stuff.
The big workouts. The big goal. The big, big, big.
And then they wonder why it all went wrong.
Admittedly, starting small ain’t sexy. BUT, it’s the fastest way to get ball rolling down the hill.
Setting a goal to run five miles tomorrow when you haven’t proven you can run 1/4 a mile since high school ain’t gonna happen.
And on the rare occasion it does, you’ll be sore until next Wed.
Same goes for exercises like push-ups.
A fit person can do 10-30 push-ups when they first start doing push-ups. Looking back, I was closer to the bottom of the range when I first got started.
I kept at it…and eventually I was able to bust out 50+.
Now, there are many golfers who can’t do 10 repetitions when they start.
So, why not start with 1-5 reps? Start super small. Don’t fry your nervous system. Don’t intimidate yourself.
If you can do a single repetition, that’s a good start.
Remember: it’s not where you start – it’s where you end up that matters.
Over Christmas, I met up with a buddy from Ft. Worth who was telling me how his dad smoked 3 packs a day for over 30 years.
He finally had enough.
Quit, cold turkey.
And decided to get into shape in his 60s.
When he started, he could barely walk around the cul de sac in front of their house one time.
BUT, he did that and progressed to the end of their street.
Then, the end of the neighborhood.
He has since passed away, but he was strength training 3-5 times per week at the gym well into his 80s (the doctors told him he prolonged his life by years).
For some psychological reason, when people do as few as one rep and rest, he or she will want to do another set, and another, and possibly another.
With this simple method of doing a little then resting, we’ve seen incredible progress.
AND this is why it’s so important to build momentum, quickly…
Get it going and keep it growing.
STAY STRONG,
Jeff
PS – If you’re a member of the 18STRONG Membership, the same methodology applies. Don’t attempt to go too heavy or too many reps.
Build up to it gradually.
If you’re not a member, what are you waiting for!?
Kidding.
But, I do highly recommend you join the 18STRONG Membership today and start to quickly build your momentum.