What is Willpower Training?
I'm convinced I've found the best advice for achieving sustainable personal growth, and you’ll be amazed by how simple it is.
The Moment of Revelation
It was a cold winter day (cold for Arizona, at least) when I found myself driving and listening to a podcast about willpower. Andrew Huberman was interviewing David Goggins, a world-renowned figure and someone I’ve admired since reading his memoir, "Can't Hurt Me." Goggins mentioned his frequent recommendation: "Do something that sucks every day." While I’d heard this advice before, it was Huberman's explanation of the neuroscience behind it that really resonated with me.
The Neuroscience Behind Willpower
On this podcast, Huberman discussed the anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC). This area of the brain enlarges when you force yourself to do something you don’t want to do, making it heavily correlated with the strength of one’s willpower.
For some reason, hearing about the science made it all click for me. It made sense: use your willpower, and it gets stronger; neglect it, and it gets weaker—just like a physical muscle. As this revelation swirled in my mind, I glanced at my car’s speedometer and saw the temperature: 43 degrees Fahrenheit. I was driving 72 mph. “Rolling down my window right now would really suck,” I thought... So I rolled it down. Boom. The first willpower exercise was completed.
Winter Poem Image
My First Willpower Exercise
As I endured the cold for the remaining 10 minutes of my drive home, I came up with an experiment: I would track every time I did something I didn’t want to do.
Once home, I searched for willpower training apps. All I found were habit-tracking apps, which didn’t quite fit my needs. I finally settled on an app called “Count That Now,” which simply allowed me to keep a tally. I began adding 1-3 tallies every time I did something I didn’t want to do—activities I’ve since come to call neuro-nudges.
Oddly enough, it was satisfying to pull out the app and add a tally each time I embraced a challenge I would typically avoid. Windows down when it’s cold out—check. 20 squats before sitting on the couch—done. Eating raw broccoli—gross, but done. Getting to work a half-hour early—boom, did it. I essentially gamified doing things I didn’t want to do.
The Results
What I noticed was that virtually everything started improving in my life. My mood lifted, my energy levels soared, and I felt better and looked better. Finally, my actions matched my ambitions, and I was building momentum.
From Idea to Innovation: The Ideal App for Willpower Training
While happy with my progress, I wanted a better way to track my willpower training, so I designed the ideal app and hired developers to build it. While my initial method worked, this new app allows for more detailed and easier tracking. You can log your Neuro-Nudges, categorize activities, and generate reports at both the activity and category levels. You can review your consistency and check your willpower quotient to see if you’re slacking.
Download the app today and see for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is a Neuro-Nudge?
A. A Neuro-Nudge is any small action that goes against your immediate comfort or desires, specifically designed to strengthen your willpower. Examples include rolling down your window on a cold day or doing a quick exercise before relaxing.
Q. Why is willpower important for personal growth?
A. Willpower is like a muscle—when exercised regularly, it gets stronger. Strong willpower helps you overcome challenges, stay consistent with your goals, and build habits that lead to sustainable personal growth.
Q. How does the app help in willpower training?
A. The app allows you to log your Neuro-Nudges, categorize them, and track your progress over time. It provides detailed reports and insights, helping you stay consistent and aware of your willpower development.
Q. What makes this app different from habit-tracking apps?
A. While habit-tracking apps focus on building specific habits, this app is designed to track the moments you push against your comfort zone. It’s more about challenging your willpower in the moment rather than sticking to a predefined habit.
Q. Can anyone use this method?
A. Absolutely! The beauty of Neuro-Nudges is that they are customizable to your current situation and goals. Whether you're looking to build discipline, improve your mood, or simply add a bit of challenge to your day, this method is accessible to everyone.
Q. How do I get started with Neuro-Nudges?
A. Start small—identify one or two things each day that you can do to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Track these actions using the app, and gradually increase the frequency and difficulty of your Neuro-Nudges as your willpower grows.
If you’re curious and want to give the Neuro-Nudge program a try…
Check out How It Works and Download the App Today. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us or sharing feedback with us on social media.
