Will-Power – The Real Power

“People do not lack strength, they lack will.” — Victor Hugo

If you had to choose between will or strength, which would you choose?

For most of my life, I thought strength was the answer. I remember hearing, "Only the strong survive," and I bought into that idea completely. But if I’m being honest, I’m not sure strength deserves the spotlight. Will is the better trait.

Think about it. The day you were born wasn’t because of strength; it was because of will. Strength is an illusion. Will matters more.

One of my favorite Bible verses growing up was, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." But over time, I realized this verse is often misunderstood. The Bible actually says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The focus isn’t on strength—it’s about will, the doing. The Apostle Paul, who wrote that verse, was referring to our ability to endure hard times, even persecution. That’s will, not strength. Strength, in this context, is the byproduct of will.

Will is rooted in faith. Faith, as described by the Apostle Paul, is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Will refers to a person’s desire, determination, and mental capacity to act. It’s the conscious choice to move forward and pursue a goal, no matter the circumstances.

When you think of will, think of will-power. It’s something we all have. Our faith in God rekindles that will-power. Faith doesn’t replace will-power—it complements it.

Will-power is what keeps us focused and mentally strong.

Here are five sure-fire ways to leverage will-power and make it your best asset:

1. Get Centered on Your Goals and Values
   What do you care about? What goal do you want to achieve? More importantly, is there a calling on your life that clarifies your goals and values?

2. Get Real About Your Strategy
   Strategy isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about the growth you want to achieve. Focus on how you’ll grow through the process, not just the outcome.

3. Recognize the Milestones and Checkpoints
   Nothing in life is easy. But breaking your pursuit into smaller, manageable steps helps you recognize your progress and build confidence. Each milestone is a marker of growth.

4. Focus on What Matters
   With milestones in place, it becomes easier to concentrate on what truly matters. This focus helps you avoid distractions and stay on course.

5. Find a Coach or Accountability Partner
   Whether it’s a coach, a trusted friend, or a parent, having someone to guide you and hold you accountable can make all the difference. They’ll cheer you on and help you stay aligned with your goals.

Will-power isn’t magic. It’s real, and it’s inside every one of us. The key is tapping into it, and that starts with one simple question:

What do you really, really want?

When you honestly answer that question, you’ll unlock will-power.