The Problem With “Just Be Disciplined” Advice

Scroll down for Today's Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Hey there, Most health advice leans on one idea: If you want better results, you just need more discipline. Try harder. Be stricter. Push through. But if willpower were enough, most people wouldn't struggle at all. The truth is, willpower is a limited resource. And it runs out faster than most people expect. Why discipline works… until it doesn't Willpower lives in the brain — and the brain uses a lot of energy. Every decision, every rule, every act of restraint adds to cognitive load. Over time, that load builds up. When the brain is tired, stressed, or under-supported, it naturally looks for relief. That's when people notice: • habits slipping • motivation dropping • cravings increasing • focus becoming harder to maintain This isn't a personal failure. It's a biological response. Why "trying harder" often backfires When willpower is already stretched, adding more pressure increases stress. And stress hormones don't help consistency — they interfere with it. Elevated stress can: • disrupt digestion • intensify cravings • reduce mental clarity • make follow-through feel exhausting So the harder someone pushes, the more resistance they often feel. What actually supports consistency Consistency isn't built on discipline alone. It's built on: • adequate energy • stable routines • nervous system safety • recovery • systems that feel repeatable When those foundations are in place, habits feel lighter — not heavier. That's why some weeks feel easier than others, even when you're doing the "same things." A more sustainable question to ask Instead of: "Why can't I stick with this?" Try asking: "What support would make this easier to repeat?" That question shifts the focus from self-criticism to problem-solving — and that's where progress lives. As you move through the rest of the week If something feels harder than it used to, don't assume you've lost discipline. Often, it's simply a sign that your body or brain needs more support — not more pressure. Health doesn't improve because you force it. It improves when the systems underneath it are supported. Jonathan Bailor, (347) 979-1735 Chief Research Director | SANE.MD New York Times Bestselling Author Father of Aavia, Keirra, and Amarra Today's Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken 🍋 Cozy Garlic Butter Chicken Stew You'll Want on Repeat Creamy. Comforting. Packed with protein. 💪 This slow-cooked Lemon-Garlic Chicken Stew is like a warm hug in a bowl—with tender chicken thighs, mellow garlic, white beans, and a bright touch of lemon to lift every bite.  Bonus: It practically makes itself in the slow cooker while you enjoy your day. Top with fresh parsley and a swirl of sour cream, and you've got your new favorite dinner. 👉 Click Here For The Recipe and bring comfort back to your kitchen. Copyright © 2026 SANESolution, All rights reserved. This email may be considered an advertising or promotional message. You received this because you signed-up with SANESolution a while back, but I don't want to be a bother :-) To stop getting subscriber-only savings, recipes, and tips, please unsubscribe below. Privacy Policy Our mailing address is: 227 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 257, Bellevue, WA 98004, USA You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list