You don’t need superhuman willpower
Perspective > discipline
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“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
My partner used to think I had superhuman discipline.
Whenever we ordered a takeaway, he’d be amazed that I never reached for the cheesy garlic bread. Before I went vegan, it used to be my absolute favourite.
“It’s just one slice,” he’d say. “It’s already there—and it’s not like you’re ordering it yourself. It’ll only go to waste.” From his perspective, it looked like I was resisting with sheer willpower.
But the truth is, it never felt that difficult to me. I wasn’t wrestling with temptation—I just didn’t even see it as an option.
Fast-forward a few years, and he’s now fully vegan himself. These days, he wouldn’t dream of eating that leftover slice either.
What changed? Not discipline—perspective.
When something aligns deeply with your values, it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. You’re not depriving yourself—you’re choosing in a way that feels right.
It’s like when someone’s pregnant and makes the decision not to drink. No one questions it. No one says, “Oh, but just one won’t hurt,” or accuses them of being extreme. There’s a clear reason behind the choice, and so it doesn’t feel like a hardship—it just makes sense.
But imagine telling someone to stop drinking without context.
No explanation. Just: stop.
You’d probably get eye rolls, excuses, or a laundry list of reasons why it’s too hard.
That’s the difference a strong “why” makes.
It’s the same with veganism. Or waking up at 5am. Or doing anything that looks, from the outside, like you’re just really good at self-control.
When I tell people about my lifestyle, I sometimes get that look—like I must be from a different planet. But the truth is, my standards have shifted over time, shaped by my values and guiding principles.
I’m not saying these choices haven’t come with challenges, but they’ve rarely felt as hard as you might assume.
When you’re clear on your why, you’re not driven by willpower—you’re fuelled by purpose.
I no longer consume animal products
Veganism has never felt especially difficult to me, because my why is rock solid. I’m not focused on what I’m missing—I’m focused on what I stand for. And that choice aligns with values I deeply believe in—like compassion, freedom, and social justice.
A 15-minute taste experience from a meal I’ll barely remember tomorrow just doesn’t matter more to me than the life—and subjective experience—of an animal. Once that clicked, it stopped feeling like a sacrifice and started feeling like a no-brainer.
I’ve stopped drinking alcohol
I stopped drinking partly because I didn’t love the way it made me feel. But the more I read, the clearer it became. Alcohol is a class 1 carcinogen, according to the World Health Organisation. Once I really took that in, it was obvious: choosing not to drink was one of the healthiest decisions I could make.
I wouldn’t feel I was missing out by not smoking or taking drugs—so why should this feel any different? These days, I still enjoy the ritual and relaxation, just with alcohol-free alternatives.
I get up at 5am every morning
For me, my mission to spread the word about intentional living pulls me out of bed. I want to write, to improve, to share ideas that might make someone’s day—or life—a little better. That desire to make a meaningful contribution gives my mornings purpose.
Without that why, I’d probably stay tucked under the covers. But with it, 5am feels less like a chore and more like a daily commitment to the life and world I want to build.
I walk 10,000 steps a day
It’s a lot for someone who sits at a computer for most of the day—but for me, it’s become a non-negotiable.
To make it easier during the workweek, I invested in a walking pad so I can move while working at my desk. And at weekends, long walks in nature have become a priority.
I want to live a long, healthy life, and walking is one of the most effective ways to support that.
I don’t buy fast fashion
As someone who used to be a total shopaholic, this might look like a real sacrifice from the outside.
But once I began learning more about the fast fashion industry—its environmental impact, the exploitation behind the clothes—I couldn’t unsee it. I didn’t want to keep contributing to that kind of world.
Choosing not to buy fast fashion became less about “missing out” on trends, and more about aligning with slow, intentional living and my values around sustainability.
I’ve built a capsule wardrobe I love and wear on repeat. And, over time, I’ve come to realise I’m genuinely happier with less.
The more aligned it feels, the easier it gets.
That’s why, with any kind of change to your lifestyle, I always suggest starting with your values, vision, and mission (this is the foundation behind Intentional Life OS).
When you know where you’re going—and why you care about getting there—everything becomes a million times easier. You’re no longer forcing discipline; you’re moving in alignment.
So take the time to get crystal clear on your why. The rest tends to follow.