We dismantle one of the most persistent myths in self-improvement: that success is all about willpower. Drawing on the work of Roy Baumeister and other behavioral science research, we reveal why willpower is a limited resource rather than a moral failing and why relying on it only sets you up for failure. Instead of hoping we have the strength to continue, we use this episode to offer you smarter strategies - like habit design, environmental tweaks, and friction hacks - to help you achieve your goals without burning out your mental battery. 

Chapter Markers

0:00 - Intro: The Willpower Fallacy

2:18 - Ego Depletion Explained

4:30 - Why We Fail

6:16 - Why Systems > Self-Control

10:00 - How to Set Yourself Up For Future Success

13:04 - Is Willpower a Muscle?

15:48 - Weekly Challenge and Final Thoughts: Smarter Shifts Over Sheer Force