You Don’t Need More Willpower: Change Is a Skill You Can Learn | Eric on The Happiness Lab with Laurie Santos

In this episode, Eric joins Dr. Laurie Santos on The Happiness Lab to explore why lasting change takes more than willpower—and how to develop the skills that make it easier. Drawing on his recovery from addiction and his book, How a Little Becomes a Lot, Eric shares how manageable actions help us build momentum and regain trust in ourselves. They also discuss how to choose goals that reflect what matters to you and keep making progress when motivation fades.

Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at ⁠oneyoufeed.net/ebook.⁠

Key Takeaways:

Why struggling to change doesn’t mean something is wrong with you—and how treating change as a skill opens up new possibilities

How starting smaller than you think you should can build motivation and confidence

Why resistance can persist even when an activity consistently makes you feel better

How to distinguish your own values from desires shaped by comparison and your surroundings

How specific plans and small adjustments to your environment make following through easier

Why planning for setbacks and asking for support help you sustain change over time

To learn more, ⁠click here!⁠

If you enjoyed this conversation with Eric Zimmer and Dr. Lauri Santos, check out these other episodes:

Small Steps to Happiness: The Science of Mindful Living with Laurie Santos