What’s the difference between "want" and "will"? I do not "want" to exercise but I use my "will" to push myself to exercise. Which part of us "wills" and which part "wants"? How can we even oppose ourselves? Is will-power a real form of energy? Or is it just our habit? What’s the spiritual significance of our will?
—Siddharth Kumar, India
Dear Kumar,
You are asking an important question.
Paramhansa Yogananda explained in a simple way the important quality of will power.
Paramhansa Yogananda definition of will power is:
Desire + energy, directed towards fulfillment.
There are three components of will power:
1. Your desire for your goal
2. Your level of energy
3. Your ability to focus and direct energy
By increasing any of these components, you will strengthen your will power.
To want something is to desire it. But much more is needed to accomplish and attain your goals. So work on increasing all three parts to attain your goals.
You can read more in P. Yogananda’s book: How to Be a Success
I hope this will give you clarity and answer your questions.
Blessings,
Nayaswami Diksha
