Entitlement vs. Willpower

Entitlement is the death of any dieter. It can take many forms. Maybe, a meal was skipped. A person’s natural reaction is to “make up” for the meal. It can also take the form of a “well deserved” treat after an intense workout session. Regardless, its entitlement. Entitlement has created a lazy society. It creates obesity, lethargy, and diabetes.

Lets be honest, we all feel like we deserve a good snack-e-poo after a ridiculous workout session. When we let will power go, our appetite gets the best of us. Willpower is the strength of mind and of will. Willpower is the ability to delay gratification with promise to see the long term goal come to fruition.

The ability to delay gratification looks like this: You come home from a 2-hour workout session and your room mate has cookies. You know you’ve burned enough calories that you can eat the cookies and it will have no adverse effect. Instead, you have your recovery shake because you know it will speed up your recovery rate. Willpower at its finest.

Unfortunately, you cannot magically obtain willpower. But you’re going to need it to get what you want (in most situations). There are little tricks to increase your willpower. Begin with the end in mind. Whenever you begin any new training program, know what you’re getting into and have a clear picture of the end result. Maybe keep a picture of the ‘optimal end result’ hanging around. Do not compromise. Even if it is your niece’s birthday – no cake! Compromising your routine is self sabotage and a great display of entitlement.

Remember, where there is a will, there is a way.