I recently returned from vacation and had a great time.  Drank like a fish, ate like a pig.  It was overindulgence deluxe.  I worked out only twice.  It was my first break from regimented workouts since May.  I learned something about myself that I wasn’t really aware of previously that I think applies to a lot of people.  Willpower is very very difficult.  I think if willpower is the only thing making you do something, there is a high probability that you won’t be able to keep it up.  Systems and routines trump willpower.  This is why I’m such a fan of working out in the morning.  You just go in there and get it done just like brushing your teeth.  You don’t even think about it.  Back when I started modifying my diet, I knew I had to eliminate all canned, sugary and processed foods out of my apartment or I would be tempted to eat them all.  When I started sitting on an exercise ball as my office chair 3 years ago, I removed my real chair completely because if I didn’t then I would likely sit back on that chair eventually.  Half my paycheque is gone before I even see it because my investment advisor yanks it from me so I don’t overspend.  I never realized that it was actually the routines, the removal of choice and the systems I set up that bring me success until returning from vacation, the most overindulgent one I’ve ever been on.  It is really easy to fall into that trap of gluttony, willpower be damned.  This coming from a guy who thinks he’s got pretty good willpower.

Maybe this is why smokers smoke despite knowing it is bad.  Actually, pick an addiction (food, porn, alcohol, gambling, etc.) and it probably has less to do with weak willpower and more to do with the system they have in place, the environment they are surrounded by, the routines and habits they have set up, and the amount of choices they have.  For me, the vacation was a big fat fail in what I call conscious choice.  Doing something knowingly, like making a big purchase for example without having buyer’s remorse afterwards, or enjoying a slice of pizza without feeling guilty afterwards.  I do these things on occasion without any guilt or remorse because its conscious, i.e. I didn’t make an impulse buy, it was thoroughly researched or I am hanging out with friends at a pizza joint, of course I’m going to eat some.

Trying to save some money by cutting out your morning latte?  You better make sure you take a different route to avoid that Starbucks, because your willpower isn’t going to do squat.  Sure, you might be good for awhile but eventually I guarantee you its not going to last.  Set yourself up for victory, not failure!