The proper use of will power is to direct it internally. Trying to use your willpower against a glass of wine, cigarette, or krispy kreme is futile. The external is the trigger, but it is not the source of the problem. There is an impulse inside you that is causing your bad habit. The impulse is a signal from the unconscious. This is where you need to direct your will.
The impulse says:
“This is so pleasurable I want more”
or
“I don’t like how I am feeling, time to medicate….”
To access your will, all you need to do is recognize the situations when the impulse arises. Take a breath, pause………wait………. take another breath………..wait……..maybe try that one or two more times and see what arises.
That’s it.
Your Will Power provides the space for the impulse to come to the surface so you can observe it with love and compassion.
***Your will is used to allow and accept this impulse, not to fight or resist it.****
Trying to fight or resist the impulse never really gets you anywhere and depletes your energy. The impulse is just a cover for something else. Keep observing without judgement.
As you continue you will notice that there is something under each impulse. An inner truth that needs to arise that you will feel in your body. If you can recognize and honour that inner truth, then the controlling impulse diminishes.
But it takes time and practice. It’s not a one and done sort of thing.
This is how you reclaim your inner power. This is how you become free from self destructive habits.