A life hack to build willpower

After reading this post, we’ll see:

• Why traditional willpower thinking fails.

• What the AMCC is and how to train your brain for more willpower.

• How embracing "micro sucks" can make you unstoppable.

TL; DR;

Your willpower isn't a finite resource; it's a muscle you can train. By consistently tackling the small, annoying tasks you usually avoid ( your "micro sucks"), you can literally rewire your brain to build unshakeable discipline.

Do you feel like your willpower is always low?

That discipline is a finite resource?

Do you always feel lethargic and unmotivated?

What if I told you there is a way to train your brain to build more willpower? This is backed by neuroscience.

The Willpower Myth

If you believe that willpower drains throughout the day, that becomes your reality.

Studies show that mindset impacts our experience:

• People who watched a short video about stress declining health, indeed saw their health decline.

• Another group watching a video about how stress can increase performance actually saw those positive effects..

Your belief shapes your reality.

The AMCC: The brain's powerhouse

This is a central hub receiving signals from different brain areas related to:

• Reward.

• Alertness.

• Predictions.

• Hormones.

Stimulating this area creates a feeling that there is a challenge coming up. And that we can meet this challenge.

In short, You can turn on willpower.

Train the AMCC

Mind-blowing fact - the size and activity of AMCC can change over time.

• People who resist temptations show an increase in AMCC size and activity.

• Those who fail show the opposite.

• Old people who maintain cognitive function like young people - maintain or increase their AMCC size.

The key? Always do hard stuff. Especially stuff you don’t want to do.

Train the AMCC

Important - difficult activities you enjoy do not activate your AMCC.

This is where “ micro sucks” and “ macro sucks” come in.

These are small & annoying or large & unpleasant stuff you generally avoid.

Push past the initial resistance.

What are your “micro sucks”?

Little things that you avoid are the perfect opportunities to train your AMCC.

• An overflowing email inbox.

• A sink full of stubborn dishes.

• The last 20 meters of an uphill run.

Call your mind. Make it strong by doing what it resists.

The ripple effect

The beauty is that once you start training it, it impacts any endeavor in life.

• Hate meditation? Meditate.

• Hate the cold? Face it.

• Hate Running? Run.

1. Identify your “micro sucks”.

2. Push yourself beyond where you normally stop.

3. Apply the Mantra “Go one more”.

I learnt this from Dr. Huberman’s talk at Chris Williamson’s podcast “ Modern wisdom”.

That’s it!!

I hope this concept helps you become a strong - willed person . If you found this helpful, share with someone who will benefit.

Further reading:

• How To Use Neuroscience To Your Advantage - Dr Andrew Huberman

P.S: Did you like this edition? Let me know. I personally respond to each mail.