The Power of Will

One simple word.

Yet behind it lies a force capable of changing the course of a life.

Throughout my journey, I’ve often reflected on the role determination has played in the decisions I’ve made, the dreams I’ve pursued, and the obstacles I’ve had to face.

Today, I want to share a few personal stories and the lessons I’ve learned from moments when my own willpower was put to the test.

—

With Love From G #19

Thank you for reading.

If you enjoy this newsletter, I’d really appreciate it if you could like it, leave a comment, or share it with someone who might enjoy it too.

Thank you for your support.

1. My “I WILL” Tattoo

2. A Teenage Story

3. An Inspiring Encounter

4. What Inspiring Films Teach Us

5. Willpower in the Kitchen

6. The Limits of Willpower

7. WLFG Behind the Scenes

8. Hey, Try This

9. Key Takeaways

10. Hall of Fame

At the age of eighteen, I got my very first tattoo.

After nearly a year of thinking about it, I finally knew exactly what I wanted.

I WILL.

The cassette represents my very first mixtape. I’ve always loved music. I’m a 90s kid and a true Hip Hop head, so it felt natural that my first tattoo would carry that part of who I am.

For me, “Will” represents determination. It represents my ability to answer “I will” to every question filled with doubt, skepticism, or condescension that I could already imagine hearing.

But if I’m honest, it also took me almost a year to get it because I was afraid.

Fear is an interesting thing. For some people, it protects them and keeps them alive. For me, I realized it was blocking my light. It was standing between me and the life I wanted to build, the love I wanted to experience, and the success I believed was possible.

The day I finally got that tattoo, I remember thinking one thing:

I can do and become whatever I want.

I truly believed I would accomplish something meaningful, leave my mark on culture, and have an impact on the world.

There’s another meaning hidden inside the tattoo.

Turn it around and it also reads “Will & I.”

It’s a tribute to my brother and to the unique relationship we’ve always shared.

My brother and I against the world.

Years later, a photographer noticed the tattoo and loved the story behind it. We created a series of photos together while I was dancing, with the tattoo becoming one of the focal points of the work. One of those images eventually ended up being featured in the New York Times.

Looking back today, I realize that even then, I had already engraved within myself the desire to leave a mark on this world.

As a teenager, I used to tell my friends that with enough determination, it was possible to accomplish anything.