Leveraging Power Versus Force for Personal Growth and Success
I want to discuss something that’s crucial not just for athletes but for anyone looking to achieve their goals: the difference between using power and force. Understanding this can change the way you approach anything you’re chasing in life.
Force is when you're trying to push or muscle your way through something. You force yourself to show up to work, drag your butt to the gym while starring at the clock for the duration – this can be called “forcing it”. You’re relying on sheer will, and it feels like a grind and burn out is usually close behind with dread in tow.
Now, let’s talk about power. Power is when you remove the resistance and find a way to enjoy the process. It’s not about giving up effort, but it’s about tapping something inside so you want to keep going. Say you love jiujitsu or banging weights. You’re still putting in work, improving and getting stronger, but it doesn’t feel like punishment. You’re in what my coach, Xande Ribeiro, calls the flow – when you are fully engaged. That’s power and you are powerful. You’re not fighting against yourself, you’re leveraging what you feel compelled to do and it feels good.
This idea applies to making money, too. Working 80 hours a week and hustling might get you more money in your pocket, but it drains you. You’re forcing it. Now, imagine you find a way to make money doing something you love, something you're good at. That’s when you’re using your power. It’s still work but it feels right and allows you to be you.
Life takes effort. Nothing worth having comes easy. Sometimes it feels like it is a constant uphill battle. If you’re hitting walls, take a step back and regroup.
Are you forcing it? Do you need to step back or reach out to a mentor or friend for guidance?
Is there a way to approach your goal that aligns with your strengths and your passion? That’s the sweet spot where you unlock your power. It’s about finding flow, doing what fills your bucket, and achieving success without feeling like you are pushing a rock up a hill.
John Welbourn is Founder/CEO of Power Athlete Inc and former NFL player. John was drafted with the 97th pick in 1999 NFL Draft and went on to be a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2003, appearing in 3 NFC Championship games, and started for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2004-2007. In 2008, he played with the New England Patriots until an injury ended his season early with him retiring in 2009. Over the course of his NFL career, John started over 100 games regular season games with 10 play-off appearances. He was a four-year letterman while playing football at the University of California at Berkeley. He graduated from the college of letters and sciences with a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric in 1998. And did his Masters work at the UC Berkeley School of Education in 1999. Since retiring from the NFL, John has worked extensively with the NFL, NHL, MLB, Olympic athletes, the US Army and Naval Special Warfare. He works as a consultant and advisor for several companies focused on improving human performance through training, nutrition and fitness-based technologies. John provides daily coaching and mentorship to over 5000 athletes around the world through his Power Athlete Coaches Network and training program delivery platform. Since in 2013, John has hosted a weekly podcast, Power Athlete Radio; a podcast dedicated to improving performance and connecting with some of the smartest people on the planet. With more than 700 episodes Power Athlete Radio has proven to be on the top podcasts in the strength and conditioning realm. John travels the world lecturing on performance and nutrition for Power Athlete and as a keynote speaker. John is a married father of three and resides in Austin, Texas. You can catch up with him at his personal blog, “Talk To Me Johnnie”, at Power Athlete or on social media @johnwelbourn.