“Environment is stronger than will.”
Those words, once shared with me by a mentor, hit me like a freight train. Not because I hadn’t heard it before. But because, in that moment, I could finally see how my surroundings were quietly scripting my days, how the whisper of a cluttered desk, the glare of an always-on inbox, or the background hum of everyone else’s expectations could pull me off course before I even noticed.
Let me ask you something: when was the last time you sat in silence with yourself and thought, “This isn’t who I want to be,” then promised to do better… only to repeat the cycle next week?
I’ve been there too. More than once.
The Trap of Good Intentions
Willpower sounds noble, doesn’t it? It’s praised in TED Talks and peppered through self-help books like a magic fix. But here’s what I’ve learned through coaching multicultural executive women across industries:
Willpower is overrated.
Yes, I said it. Willpower is like an overworked executive assistant; it can only handle so much before it burns out.
Science backs this up. Research in high performance psychology, including the work from Stanford and the High Performance Institute, shows that lasting behavioural change isn’t just about grit. It’s about creating systems and environments that reduce the need for grit in the first place.
Your Environment is Speaking, Are You Listening?
Your environment isn’t neutral. It’s constantly nudging you in one direction or another.
That perfectly organised kitchen? It invites healthy cooking.
That chaotic office? It whispers, “Check your email again.”
That phone on your nightstand? It shouts, “Scroll a little more. Just five minutes.”
Now imagine being in a workplace where you’re the only multicultural woman on the leadership team. Every comment, every decision, every raised eyebrow becomes part of the environment. It all adds up, sometimes so subtly you don’t realise how heavy the emotional load is until you’re exhausted for no clear reason.
That’s not just background noise. That’s subliminal influence.
The Power of Small Environmental Shifts
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Small shifts can lead to big changes. Think of it like steering a plane, a one-degree change might not feel like much now, but down the line, it’ll land you in a completely different destination.
Start here:
- Visual Cues: Want to exercise? Leave your clothes and sneakers where you can see them. Want to drink more water? Get a beautiful glass bottle and place it right in your line of sight.
- People: Surround yourself with those who lift you, challenge you, and remind you of your goals. (Hint: This is where coaching becomes powerful. You don’t have to do it alone.)
- Digital Boundaries: Set app limits. Use “do not disturb.” Make tech serve you.
When I was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (yes, literally), it wasn’t brute force that got me to the top. It was preparation, consistent pacing, and a supportive guide who knew when to push and when to pause. That’s what your environment should be doing, nudging you upward, not dragging you sideways.
It’s Not Just About Motivation, It’s About Momentum
Here’s the kicker: Motivation fades. But momentum? That builds. And your environment is the scaffolding that helps momentum grow.
As a Certified High Performance Coach, I help women re-engineer their environments, physical, digital, mental, relational, so they align with who they want to be. Whether we’re working through beliefs, embracing the messy transitions, or dismantling imposter syndrome with practical, research-backed tools, it all starts with one question:
What is your environment quietly teaching you to accept?
And a follow-up:
What do you want it to teach you instead?
Let’s Shift the Script
You don’t need to wait for a breakdown to make a breakthrough. Sometimes, it’s as simple as rearranging a room. Or stepping outside for five minutes before the next Zoom call. Or deciding not to be the only one keeping the peace at work when your voice deserves space too.
So, look around.
What’s one thing (just one) you can change in your environment today that nudges you closer to the life you actually want?
Remember, you can unleash your unique version of success.
And it might just start with moving that chair.
Your Coach
Stephanie
Ready to Ignite Your SPARK?
As a Certified High Performance, Wayfinder and Imposter Syndrome Informed Coach, I’m here to support you on this transformative journey. Whether it’s in your career, health, or relationships, my coaching programs are designed to help you achieve heightened and sustained levels of performance and potential. Are you ready to embrace these inner shifts then let’s embark on this journey together!
Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can support you:
Join our IYS Community – to connect with like-minded individuals focused on increasing their ENGAGEMENT, CONFIDENCE & JOY in work (and life)
Access your FREE Online Training – and learn how you can immediately hit higher levels of performance and potential in all you do!
Take the High Performance Questionnaire – to understand if you’re ready to go to the next level and live a life full of engagement, joy and confidence…
Book a Chat – so we can breakthrough what you’re currently challenged with and take the next action towards living the life of your dreams!