The deepest layer. Sustaining will is the capacity to continue when motivation has died, when no one is watching, and when results are not yet visible. This is where Aubanel’s philosophy shines: he believed sustaining will is not forced, but cultivated through ritual and environment. By removing small decisions (what to wear, when to eat, where to work), you preserve will power for what truly matters.
“The master does not rise each morning wondering if he will train. The question was settled years ago.”
This is the ability to initiate action—to start the difficult task, to make the call you’ve been avoiding, to put on your running shoes. Aubanel argued that most people fail not because they can’t resist temptation, but because they can’t begin. Directive will is a muscle that must be exercised with small, daily commitments.
Aubanel’s approach to willpower was distinct from the generic "motivation" often sold in fitness magazines today. For Aubanel, willpower was not a fleeting feeling or a burst of inspiration. It was a discipline—a rigorous, unyielding mental state.
In his writings and teachings, particularly highlighted in Bill Pearl’s seminal book Getting Stronger (where Aubanel authored the "Willpower" section), he outlined that physical strength is a direct manifestation of mental strength. He argued that the human body is naturally inclined toward comfort and lethargy. Therefore, the act of lifting heavy weights against gravity is a rebellion against the status quo—a rebellion led by the will.
Key components of Aubanel’s "Willpower" philosophy included:
The work "Will-power: How to Control and Stimulate It, Train it to Effort and Use it to Succeed in Life" is a vintage self-improvement guide published by Edward Aubanel in 1950, authored by Raymond de Saint-Laurent. This book is part of a broader series on mind training and personal development that emphasizes the mental discipline required to achieve professional and personal success. The Core Philosophy of Aubanel’s Will-Power
The central theme of the Aubanel publication is that willpower is not a static trait but a trainable skill. The text focuses on the transition from passive existence to active achievement through deliberate mental effort.
The Power of a Clear Aim: A primary lesson is the necessity of a "life aim." Without a specific, motivated objective, individuals risk stagnating in unsatisfying roles.
Mental Energy Focus: Defining a clear goal allows a person to focus their mental energy, which naturally increases their abilities and makes steady improvement easier. will power edward aubanel
Avoidance of Stagnation: The book warns that a lack of direction leads to a "drifting" life, where one's potential is never fully realized. Practical Steps for Training the Will
According to the Aubanel series, developing willpower involves a structured, multi-step process:
Identification: Determine exactly what you like and who you want to become.
Assessment: Evaluate if the chosen aim is reasonable and attainable.
Staging: Break the large objective into smaller stages with specific deadlines.
Regular Reflection: Consistently think about the objective and track progress to maintain motivation. Historical Context: Raymond de Saint-Laurent and Aubanel
Raymond de Saint-Laurent was a prolific author of the mid-20th century who wrote extensively on psychology and "mind training". His works were often published by E. Aubanel, a publisher known for psychological and self-help literature during that era. These books often carried titles like "My 20 Lessons of Mind-Training" and were designed to provide accessible, actionable advice to the public. Why the Work Remains Relevant
While modern psychology (such as the work of Roy F. Baumeister) often discusses willpower as a finite resource regulated by glucose and rest, the Aubanel-published works approach it from a philosophical and habit-based perspective. It argues that the direction of the will is as important as its strength. By aligning your daily efforts with a meaningful life aim, you reduce the friction of decision-making and build a more resilient character.
A guide to developing will power according to the principles of Edward Aubanel The deepest layer
focuses on the methodical training of the mind to control and stimulate effort. His approach, often detailed in the "My 20 Lessons of Mind-Training" series, emphasizes that willpower is not a fixed trait but a muscle that can be strengthened through specific psychological exercises. 1. The Foundation: Mental Control
Willpower begins with the ability to direct your focus without distraction. Methodical Analysis
: Break down complex problems into small, manageable factors. By examining each factor logically, you prevent feelings or overwhelming emotions from distorting your judgment. Stimulating Effort
: Willpower is "stimulated" by maintaining powerful interests. If your interest in a goal is weak, your will to achieve it will be equally frail. 2. Training through Observation and Memory
Edward Aubanel’s system links willpower closely to the clarity of your mental impressions. The "First Impression" Rule
: To remember and act on a goal, you must form a strong initial impression. Multi-Sensory Engagement
: Use multiple senses to "dwell" on a mental image of your goal. This deepens the mental footprint, making it easier for the will to recall and prioritize that specific task later. Full Attention
: Distraction is the enemy of will. Practice giving absolute attention to a single object or thought for increasing intervals of time to build "mental stamina." 3. Logical Reasoning over Emotional Impulse
A core tenet of this approach is that a strong will is guided by reason, not passion. Avoid Distortion : Feelings can often "cloud" the necessity of a task. Step-by-Step Logic “The master does not rise each morning wondering
: Use logic to justify why an effort is necessary. When the mind understands the
of the effort, the resistance to starting that effort decreases. 4. Practical Exercise: The "20 Lessons" Approach
To apply these principles, follow this structured routine found in Mind Training Techniques Daily Review
: Spend 10 minutes analyzing your day’s decisions logically. Focus Sessions
: Practice observing a simple object (like a pen) for 2 minutes, noting every detail, to train concentration. Interest Building
: Write down three reasons why your current goal is "vitally important" to you to stimulate the necessary emotional fuel for the will. Summary of Resources Primary Text
Will-power: How to Control and Stimulate It, Train it to Effort and Use it to Succeed in Life by Raymond de Saint-Laurent, published by E. Aubanel (1950) Mind Training
: Lessons on memory and observation by W.R. Borg, often associated with the Aubanel series of mental development exercise plan based on these 20 lessons to start your training?
To harness the spirit of "Will Power Edward Aubanel" in the 21st century, you do not need to sail the North Atlantic or lose a limb. You need only to introduce friction against your own laziness.