It’s Not Willpower, It’s the Intensity of Desire
I recently came across a reel on Instagram of Javed Akhtar in conversation with Arbaaz Khan, where Akhtar said something that truly resonated with me: “It’s not willpower, it’s the intensity of desire.” Although I only caught a short clip of the conversation, it immediately struck a chord. I’ve been a fan of Javed Akhtar ever since watching Angry Young Men on Amazon Video, which showcases his sharp intellect and profound insight into human nature. This particular idea he shared has been swirling in my mind ever since, leading me to reflect more deeply on the concept of willpower and desire.
We often credit willpower as the key to achieving success. We admire those who seem to have an unbreakable resolve, imagining that their ability to push through obstacles comes solely from discipline and self-control. But what if it’s not willpower that drives them forward? What if the true engine behind their success is something deeper—the intensity of their desire?
The Misconception of Willpower
Willpower is often seen as a finite resource, a muscle that grows tired after repeated use. We tap into it to resist temptation, stick to routines, or push through discomfort. And while willpower is certainly a factor in achieving goals, it’s not the whole story. Many people find that no matter how much they try to “will” themselves toward a goal, they eventually hit a wall. Motivation fizzles out, distractions become overwhelming, and their resolve weakens.
That’s because willpower alone can only take you so far. It’s not a constant, and when it runs out, so does your progress. This is where desire comes in.
The Power of Desire
Desire is the fuel that keeps you going when willpower falters. It’s not about sheer discipline but the intensity of your longing for something. When your desire is strong enough, it creates a natural momentum. You don’t have to rely on brute force to stay on track—your passion pulls you forward.
Think about the times in your life when you’ve truly wanted something—whether it was a career opportunity, a meaningful relationship, or a personal achievement. When your desire is strong, it creates an emotional connection to your goal. You aren’t just doing something because you “should”; you’re doing it because it matters deeply to you.
Aligning Goals with Desire
To tap into the intensity of desire, it’s essential to align your goals with your true passions. Too often, we set goals that reflect societal expectations or external pressures rather than our own genuine wants. This disconnect is a recipe for burnout. When your goals are driven by external forces, they become chores. However, when they come from within, they ignite a sense of purpose. Read that again!
Take a moment to reflect on what you truly want. Is your goal something that excites you at a deep, personal level? Or is it something you feel obligated to pursue because it’s “what people do”? The stronger your emotional connection to your goal, the less you’ll need to rely on willpower to achieve it.
Desire in Action: Examples from Life
History is filled with people who achieved incredible feats not through sheer willpower but through an intense desire that refused to be dimmed. Think of athletes who spend years training for a single moment of glory. They aren’t driven solely by discipline—they’re motivated by a deep love for the game and the dream of success.
Entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries often exhibit the same intensity of desire. Steve Jobs didn’t revolutionize technology by simply willing himself to work harder. His desire to create something beautiful, innovative, and transformative was so strong that it naturally propelled him forward. His passion became his driving force.
Cultivating the Fire of Desire
The good news is that desire isn’t fixed—you can cultivate it. Here’s how:
1. Identify Your True Passion: Ask yourself what truly excites you. What are the goals that make you feel alive? When your pursuits align with your core desires, you won’t need to “force” yourself to act.
2. Visualize the Outcome: Spend time vividly imagining what success will look and feel like. The clearer and more intense your vision, the stronger your desire to achieve it.
3. Take Small Steps: Break your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Each accomplishment will fuel your desire further, creating a cycle of positive reinforcement.
4. Stay Connected to Your "Why": When times get tough, reconnect with the reasons you started in the first place. Remind yourself why achieving this goal matters so much to you.
The Balance of Willpower and Desire
While desire can be the spark that lights the fire, willpower is still necessary for staying disciplined, especially when challenges arise. However, by focusing on cultivating a strong desire, you reduce the need to constantly rely on willpower. Instead, you create a sustainable drive that comes from within, one that can withstand the ups and downs of the journey.
In the end, it’s not about forcing yourself to push through at all costs. It’s about finding that passion that’s so strong, so intense, that it feels like you must move forward. It’s not willpower—it’s the intensity of desire. And when you have that, the sky’s the limit.