Permission, Not Willpower: The Key to Breaking Free
Episode Overview
Willpower is less effective than self-permission in overcoming addiction. Resistance acts as a protector rather than an enemy. Understanding outcome and process resistance can aid in change. Siding with resistance opens pathways to self-led living. Self-compassion leads to lasting change without cravings.
You don't need willpower. You just need permission from self.
In this episode of the 1000 Days Sober Podcast, Lee Davy challenges the traditional notion of willpower in overcoming addiction. Instead of battling resistance with sheer determination, he argues that true change begins when you grant yourself permission to let go of destructive habits. Through a personal tale of quitting smoking, Lee shares how a shift in mindset—moving from self-criticism to self-compassion—enabled him to break free from cigarettes without cravings for 25 years.
It's a powerful story that highlights the importance of listening to the inner voice that seeks to protect us, rather than engaging in a futile fight against it. Lee introduces the concept of 'resistance' as a misunderstood protector rather than an enemy, encouraging you to understand its role in maintaining safety and stability. He also explores two types of resistance: outcome resistance, which fears the consequences of change, and process resistance, which dreads the effort required for transformation.
By siding with resistance and recognising its protective nature, you can open up pathways to self-led living. The episode is peppered with humour and relatable anecdotes, making it accessible to anyone who has struggled with quitting an addiction. Lee’s candid style invites you to reconsider your approach to resistance and self-permission, offering a fresh perspective on achieving freedom from alcohol and other addictions.
If you're looking for a different approach to tackling your habits, this episode might just be what you need. It's not about overpowering resistance; it's about understanding it and working with it to find a new path forward. So why not listen in and see how these ideas could apply to your own life?