Habits vs. Willpower: The Real Driver of Success?

We often think of success as a product of sheer willpower. Motivational slogans like “Just Do It” reinforce this idea, promoting the belief that success depends on our ability to summon up determination whenever we need it. But while this mindset might work for marketing, it doesn’t actually align with how our brains function. Willpower is energy-intensive, and the brain naturally seeks efficiency by turning repeated actions into habits.

Why Do We Overvalue Willpower?

Our perception of willpower as the secret to success comes from the way we view ourselves. We identify with the conscious part of our brain—the part that makes decisions, solves problems, and is actively aware. Yet, research shows that we operate unconsciously more than 50% of the day. This unconscious part of our brain is where habits form and take root. Because we’re primarily aware of our conscious decisions, we often give willpower more credit than it deserves, overlooking the real driver behind our consistency: habits.

In reality, habits allow us to bypass willpower. Instead of draining our mental energy to push through tasks, habits make actions feel automatic, conserving valuable brain resources. Take successful writers as an example: rather than depending on daily motivation to write, they establish routines—like writing at the same time each day or setting a word count goal—that make the act of writing part of their daily rhythm. For them, writing becomes less about willpower and more about a structured habit.

Habits: The Cycle of Context, Action, and Reward

Habits form through a simple cycle: context, action, and reward. This cycle repeats itself until the behavior becomes automatic. For example, consider brushing your teeth in the morning: the context is the morning bathroom routine, the action is brushing, and the reward is the clean, fresh feeling afterward.

In a workplace setting, habits operate similarly. Take the example of a team meeting where a disagreement arises. If you respond rudely, the context is the disagreement in a group setting, the action is being rude, and the reward might be the immediate sense of control or power you feel. Over time, these behaviors become ingrained as habitual responses because they link directly to a reward.

The challenge with changing habits lies in these deeply embedded cycles of behavior. Habit memories are formed through repeated actions and become difficult to override. To change a habit, you need to consciously interrupt the cycle, which requires self-awareness and consistent effort. It’s not easy, as automatic responses have been reinforced over time.

If you’re trying to make lasting changes in the workplace, whether by shaping culture or developing new skills, relying on willpower might not be the best approach. Instead, focus on building habits that make the desired actions feel natural and repeatable. Knowledge alone doesn’t change behavior—action does. To make it easier to build or change a habit, start by setting a reminder to break or reinforce the cycle of context, action, and reward.

Reframe Success: Build Habits, Not Just Knowledge

Success is not just about conscious determination; it’s about making essential actions automatic. Rather than viewing willpower as the ultimate source of perseverance, try to cultivate habits that align with your goals. This shift from willpower to habit-building is often the true key to achieving consistent, long-term success.