Friends, as we mentioned in the previous section, willpower is a natural force present in everyone from birth until death. However, only a few people channel their energy effectively in the right direction.
Today, we will discuss individuals who:
- Seek quick success.
- Struggle with failure or face repeated setbacks.
- Harbor negative thoughts, see negativity in every situation, or habitually focus on flaws. Such individuals often lack trust, are overly suspicious, or waste their energy on unnecessary pursuits like fear, doubt, inferiority, anger, impulsiveness, hatred, or irritation.
- Squander their energy unnecessarily—for instance, blinking excessively, being unable to fix their gaze, aimlessly looking around, fidgeting with hands, feet, or other body parts, repeatedly pressing any part of their body, or being unable to stay still in one position for even a few minutes. These habits and distractions drain their energy.
Let’s discuss the solutions:
We have reiterated in this series that all human beings are inherently equal. If someone else can succeed, so can you. However, this notion should be understood as stated, not misinterpreted. Simply saying, “If someone can do it, so can I,” and diving headfirst without preparation will not yield results. Achieving success requires effort, strategy, and persistence.
Consider this example: A man in his sixties and a woman with one leg climbed Mount Everest. Does this mean you should immediately set out to conquer Everest? That would be a grave mistake. Yes, you too can achieve such a feat, but first, you must evaluate your abilities, age, physical limitations, resources, and time. Only after understanding these factors should you plan and prepare. Success will follow if you proceed systematically.
Although all humans are fundamentally alike, each person is unique. What someone else accomplishes in one year might take you four years. Hence, comparing yourself to others is futile. Focus solely on your goals, abilities, and journey. This mindset is the key to success: keep your attention fixed on your own thoughts, actions, and objectives.
Remember, no one is born with weak willpower. Negative thinking, unfavorable circumstances, and a lack of vision weaken it over time. Many people blame their situation, saying, “If only this or that hadn’t happened, I could have achieved so much more.” Such thinking is inherently negative. Everything is in your hands, but most fail to recognize their own potential. They strive for what is unattainable and ignore what is easily within their grasp.
To succeed, you must first know yourself. Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. Pursue goals that align with your true potential. If you mimic others, adopting their methods, you may fail because what works for someone else may not work for you. If you are uncertain about your strengths or weaknesses, consult a professional to analyze your physical, mental, and emotional capacities. Use this analysis to craft a tailored plan for success. By doing so, you will undoubtedly achieve your goals.
If you prefer self-analysis over seeking expert advice, dedicate one to two months to observing yourself. Pay attention to your behavior, habits, thoughts, and physical actions. Identify even the smallest shortcomings and use your willpower to address them. For example, if you struggle to wake up early or make good use of morning hours, begin working on this specific issue for two to three months. Practice consistently until waking up early becomes a natural habit. Once you’ve conquered this, move on to addressing other shortcomings. Start with small habits or behaviors and gradually work on larger challenges.
If you find it difficult to overcome even minor habits, you’ll need to put in extra effort to strengthen your willpower. Begin with achievable goals and work your way up. Over time, you’ll notice a growing sense of confidence and self-control.
When a desire arises, evaluate whether it is right or wrong. Pursue positive desires wholeheartedly, and resist negative ones with equal determination. If you hesitate to make decisions, it may indicate weak willpower. Learn to make timely and confident decisions, accepting their outcomes, whether favorable or not. Mistakes are opportunities for learning, not regrets.
Avoid becoming overly self-assured. Always approach decisions with thoughtfulness and humility. Remember, even expert swimmers can drown if they become complacent.
Finally, while a teacher or guide can provide education and direction, personal transformation is your responsibility. A guide can point the way, but only you can bring about the changes needed for success. Recognize your unique strengths and use them to achieve your goals. With determination, focus, and self-awareness, nothing is beyond your reach.
