Why Willpower Isn’t Enough – The Real Reason You Struggle to Stick with Healthy Habits
Willpower isn’t the problem – here’s what is.
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I just need more willpower,” you’re not alone.
Whether cutting back on sugar, getting to bed earlier, or trying to move more, many of us blame ourselves when we can’t stick with a healthy habit. But here’s the truth: it’s not about willpower.
💡 Healthy habits are hard to build when you rely on sheer determination.
Research shows that willpower is a limited resource. At the end of a long day, when energy and stress levels are low, the brain always chooses comfort over challenge.
And that’s why having support matters.
What Actually Helps You Stick with New Habits?
Accountability: Having someone to check in with, even once a week, can improve your consistency. It’s not about being told off, it’s about being reminded of why you started.
Structure: It’s easy to say, “I’ll eat better this week.” But what does that actually look like? Support gives you a clear plan, so you don’t have to wing it when life gets busy.
Celebrating small wins: When someone’s there to cheer you on, even the smallest change (like drinking more water or swapping breakfast cereal for eggs) feels like progress, not just a drop in the ocean.
Real-Life Example:
One of my clients kept “starting over” every Monday with good intentions. But by Wednesday, cravings and stress would take over. Once she joined my group programme and had simple structure, recipes, and weekly check-ins, she realised the issue wasn’t her, it was trying to go it alone.
She didn’t need more willpower.
She just needed a better system and some support.
✨ Try This:
Think of one health habit you want to improve. Now ask yourself:
Have I made it clear and realistic?
Do I have any accountability or reminders in place?
Have I celebrated my progress so far?
If not, your next step is to stop trying harder and instead build smarter with support.
Let's chat if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or tired of starting over. I help people in midlife make sustainable, simple changes that last. No diets, no shame, and no superhuman willpower are needed.