Goggins on Cultivating Willpower: Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex
Goggins, drawing from personal experience, argues against shortcuts to building willpower, advocating for embracing discomfort and challenges as essential for developing resilience and self-discovery.
He emphasizes the fulfillment derived from overcoming hardships and the crucial role of internal dialogue in fostering growth and resilience.
Willpower & Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex
The anterior mid cingulate cortex—a region within the brain that most of us may not have heard of before—is increasingly becoming a focus of interest due to its remarkable association with fortitude and self-discipline.
Huberman explains that this part of the brain enlarges when individuals engage in tasks they inherently do not want to do.
It could be extra hours of workout for those reluctant to exercise or resisting temptation when one is committed to losing weight.
What makes the discovery thrilling is that it shatters a common myth: it isn’t the additional effort per se that matters, but the willingness to persevere through tasks that are personally challenging or unpleasant.
Moreover, the size of the anterior mid cingulate cortex has been correlated with various indicators of resilience and vitality.
It is generally smaller in obese people but increases with dieting.
Athletes tend to have a larger anterior mid cingulate cortex, as do people who consistently overcome challenges.
It even retains its size in individuals who live long lives, positing it not just as a marker of willpower but possibly as a representation of the will to live.
Goggins, resonating with the science shared by Huberman, speaks from personal experience about the essence of building a formidable mindset.
He dismisses the notion of “hacks” or shortcuts to developing willpower, emphasizing that a strong will is cultivated through persistent struggle and the acceptance of discomfort. He encourages embracing challenges as they are the crucibles in which resilience is forged.
He emphasizes that it’s not just any action that fortifies this region, but rather the activities we resist, the ones that challenge us and create a sense of friction in our lives.
It’s the discomfort and the “suck” part of an experience that has the power to grow our willpower.
Goggins points out that even those who appear to have everything—wealth, relationships, success—often feel like something is missing in their lives.
According to him, that ‘something’ is the sense of fulfillment that comes from enduring hardship and pushing through the barriers that enclose one’s comfort zone.
He explains that it’s through embracing the struggle and examining oneself in the realm of the challenging and the uncomfortable that one cultivates willpower.
Goggins highlights that being content with one’s life and finding true peace doesn’t come from external achievements. Instead, it arises from repeated exposures to challenging situations where one finds out exactly who they are.
In a society that often looks for quick fixes or “hacks,” Goggins breaks it down: there are none. It’s about confronting oneself.
Self-Reflection & Action, Distractions
Goggins compares his daily routine to painting a new version of the Mona Lisa every day.
His metaphor underlines the importance of consistency paired with the ability to adapt and create anew.
Each day brings a unique set of challenges and goals, yet the approach remains fixed on inner creativity and shutting out external noise.
This disciplined method involves pre-planning and a commitment to self-discovery, which allows the unfolding of one’s true potential and individuality away from the herd mentality.
By dedicating time and space to understand oneself deeply, Goggins asserts that people can escape the trap of following others blindly and instead unearth the unique tasks and goals that define their personal journey.
Mastering Internal Dialogue
Goggins emphasizes that by recognizing the multitude of voices within us, including those that tell us brutal truths, we can create a counter-voice that challenges us to grow and pushes us into action.
This conversation is often rife with conflict and hardship, which, according to Goggins, is integral to the process.
He stresses that it is not victory but the art of failing properly that lays the groundwork for later success.
By preparing for failure and learning from it, instead of avoiding it, one can build resilience and ultimately achieve victory through perseverance.
Huberman concurs that only by spending significant time exploring and understanding our internal dialogue can we gain insight into ourselves.
It’s an intimate and personal expedition that each individual must undertake. It’s not one voice within us but multiple, and not all are kind or encouraging.
Nonetheless, with rigorous practice and dedication, the right voices strengthen, guiding us towards the path we aspire to tread.
More From This Podcast
Transforming Pain into Power: David Goggins’ Life
Resources
David Goggins
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