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The "Motivation Trap": Why Willpower Alone Won't Get You Fit (And What Will)

Plus: Your Breakfast Might Be Sabotaging Your Gains

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A word on motivation

Stop Chasing Quick Fixes: The Real Way to Get (and Stay) Fit

There are no magic pills. The real secret to getting in shape boils down to this: small changes, consistently applied

Move a bit more, eat a bit better, every single day. Sounds simple, right?

Well, not always. Sticking to those goals takes more than just good intentions. It takes motivation, discipline, and habits.

You've already got the motivation – you're here, reading this newsletter! But let's face it, motivation has its limits. We all have those days when we'd rather hit snooze than the gym.

That's where discipline steps in. It's that initial push, that willpower to get started and stick to a routine, even when it feels tough.

Sadly, discipline alone isn't enough. It's exhausting to rely solely on willpower.

But something incredible happens after a few weeks of consistently pushing yourself. 

Those healthy choices start to feel natural. They become habits – things you do without even thinking.

And that's when it all gets easier.

The key to success is understanding this process and working towards building those habits as quickly as possible.

Next week, we'll dive deeper into how to cultivate that all-important discipline.

But towards the end of today’s newsletter, you’ll find the easiest workout to start!

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Breakfast

Why you need more protein at breakfast

You’ve probably heard the saying: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This holds even truer if your goal is to build muscle.

Research suggests that front-loading your protein intake, especially at breakfast, could be the key to unlocking more muscle gains (1).

So, why does this work? While scientists are still figuring that out, one thing is clear: a high-protein breakfast could tip the scales in your favor.

Whether you're aiming for a specific macro goal or simply want to add a protein boost to your morning, there are plenty of delicious ways to do it.

Think Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, eggs with whole-grain toast, protein pancakes, or a quick protein shake.

P.S. If you're looking for a top-notch protein powder to fuel your gains, check out Transparent Labs Protein Powder. It's my go-to choice for quality, purity, and value for money.

Weekly Recipe

High-Protein Pancake Recipe

We discussed the importance of protein at breakfast for building muscle, but let's be honest – eggs every day can get a bit dull. 

That's where these fluffy, protein-packed pancakes come in. This simple recipe is a family-pleaser, perfect for anyone, and are really easy to make.

Best of all, they’re ready in 15 minutes, so you can fuel your gains even on busy mornings.

Note: This recipe makes six large pancakes (a serving is two pancakes).

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 scoop whey protein or plant protein powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 3 eggs

  • 3/4 cup of milk of your choice

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 5 dates, pitted and finely chopped  

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or better yet, Sugar-free syrup)

Instructions:

  1. Blend the dry ingredients: Combine the oats, baking powder, protein powder, and cinnamon in a blender or food processor. Pulse until the oats have a flour-like texture. Set aside.

  2. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla.

  3. Combine wet and dry: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don't overmix!

  4. Cook your pancakes: Add 1 teaspoon of butter to a pan over medium-high heat. Pour in 1/4 cup of the batter and sprinkle with one-sixth of the chopped dates. Cook for about three minutes, or until the top of the pancake starts to bubble. Flip and cook the other side for another two to three minutes.

  5. Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining batter, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

  6. Enjoy! Serve your pancakes immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Tip: These pancakes are a great way to sneak in extra protein at breakfast. Get creative with your toppings! Add fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra boost of nutrients.

Workout of the Week

(Dead-simple) Workout of the Week: Death by Burpees

This might be the easiest workout you'll ever start. It begins with just 1 burpee in the first minute. Can you handle that? Of course you can!

The Workout:

  • Minute 1: 1 burpee

  • Minute 2: 2 burpees

  • Minute 3: 3 burpees

  • And so on...

Keep going until you can't complete all the required burpees within the minute. That's your score.

Why It Works:

  • Overcomes Inertia: The hardest part is starting. This workout eliminates that hurdle.

  • Builds Intensity Gradually: You ease into the workout, allowing your body to warm up.

  • Tests Your Limits: See how far you can push yourself, both physically and mentally.

  • Efficient and Effective: It's a full-body workout that gets your heart pumping in a short amount of time.

Tips:

  • Perfect for beating mid-day slumps: This quick workout takes just 8-15 minutes, making it ideal for a brief break during your day.

  • Don't Give Up: Push yourself to see what you're capable of. You might surprise yourself!

  • Track Your Progress: Record your score each time and try to beat it next week.

Example: If you make it to minute 10, you'll have done a total of 55 burpees - that's a fantastic workout!

Remember: Consistency is key. Even a few minutes of effort each day can lead to big results over time. So let's get started and conquer those burpees!

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Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Hack Your Metabolism: The ultimate guide for busy men to reclaim their energy, lose stubborn belly fat, and build a fit, healthy body—without restrictive diets or spending hours in the gym. I share decades of proven strategies and simple, sustainable hacks to get you fitter in just 90 minutes a week.

2. PEAK PAST 50 Workout: An efficient and simple workout for men over 50 to build muscle, shed fat, and reclaim their energy in just 90 minutes a week. Join 437 men transforming their bodies and their confidence.

Stay fit,

Julien Raby