We often make plans and resolutions only to find they were well begun but often not sustained. And before we know it we find ourselves making the same promises to ourselves repeatedly. It’s not that we don’t know what we should or shouldn’t do. It’s our will power that needs to be stronger.

Just because we have decided something which we know is good for us, does not mean our mind will naturally co-operate. The mind gravitates to likes and doesn’t respond well to things it dislikes. We may have decided to lose weight, the mind gravitates to delicious desserts. We may have decided to wake up early and exercise daily, the mind enjoys the comfort of staying in bed a bit longer. We may have decided to quit something, only to find our mind pulling us when we come in contact with our object of desire.

Will power is the battle between conviction and temptation. To strengthen our will power, we need to strengthen our conviction.

Constantly reminding ourselves of the reason behind our resolution, strengthens will power. We often decide what we want to do. It is the why behind the what that builds will power.

Constant awareness builds will power. The moment we let our guard down, the mind will indulge in its world of temptations and old habits.

Care for others builds will power. If something impacts just our life, we tend to let go. However, if we have given a commitment to others and care deeply for them, we find ourselves being more resolute.

Being inspired builds will power. Inspiration sustains conviction. Not every idea needs to change the world. It could be something very personal. It’s not the size of the idea but the enthusiasm it fills us with that matters.

Small victories build will power. We start gaining self-confidence when we take small steps to start with. A thousand-mile journey starts with a single step.

Appreciation from others builds our will power. It gives us validation of our efforts and the enthusiasm to continue on our path. But we must be careful; much as it helps, we should not become dependent on it.

Life tests us with temptations, distractions, and challenges. They come as a disguised blessing to help us discover and strengthen our power within. Our will power.

(Picture-Tangerines from which we made marmalade)