- Apr 30, 2025
Train Your Brain to Do Hard Things: How the aMCC Builds Real Willpower
- Coach Tony Omo
We all have those moments:
You don’t feel like working out.
You want to reach for that snack you promised yourself you’d skip.
You’re tempted to hit snooze… again.
Most people think these are battles of willpower—and they’re right.
But what if I told you willpower isn’t just a mindset?
It’s a muscle in your brain—and science says you can train it.
🧠 Meet the aMCC: The Brain’s Willpower Center
There’s a brain region called the anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC).
It activates whenever you do something difficult—especially when you don’t feel like it.
Research shows:
The aMCC is larger in athletes and people who’ve overcome serious life challenges.
It’s smaller in those who avoid discomfort, like sedentary individuals or those who struggle with obesity—but it grows when they begin to take action.
It’s often preserved in people who live long, healthy lives.
That means your ability to push through resistance isn’t just about being “mentally tough.”
It’s about training a part of your brain that grows through discomfort.
🔬 The Science Behind Doing Hard Things
According to neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, doing hard things (especially when you don’t want to) lights up and strengthens the aMCC.
In a powerful conversation with David Goggins—the former Navy SEAL known for his mental toughness—they explore how consistent exposure to challenge physiologically rewires the brain for discipline, grit, and perseverance.
“This part of the brain grows when you do the things you don’t want to do. And if you stop doing them, it shrinks.” – Dr. Huberman
“There’s no hack. You do it, and do it, and do it.” – David Goggins
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
“How to Build Immense Inner Strength” – Huberman Lab Podcast with David Goggins
💪 Neuroplasticity: You Can Train This at Any Age
Here’s the best part:
The aMCC is part of a network in your brain that’s highly neuroplastic. That means it can change, adapt, and grow throughout your life—no matter your age.
Just like training your muscles, training your aMCC comes down to reps:
Every time you show up when it’s hard...
Every time you make the better choice…
Every time you follow through on a promise to yourself…
…you’re strengthening your aMCC. And that’s how you become the kind of person who follows through no matter what.
🔁 Why Most People Don’t Change (and Why You Can)
Growth is uncomfortable.
Starting something new usually sucks at first. And then it sucks a little more. That’s where most people stop.
But if you’re willing to go through the uncomfortable part, you’ll come out the other side unrecognizable—in the best way.
Think about it this way:
When a storm is coming and you see it on the horizon, the person with a strong aMCC doesn’t run or avoid it.
He goes straight through it.
That’s the power we all have. That’s the strength waiting to be forged inside you.
🟢 Real Talk: There Is No Hack
There’s no shortcut.
No morning routine or fancy lifehack will replace daily deposits into your discipline bank.
👉 You either train this part of your brain—or it shrinks.
👉 The choice is yours.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t need to figure it out alone.
👊 Ready to Build Willpower—And Get Lean & Strong While You’re At It?
If you’re over 40 and ready to build not just a better body—but a stronger mind that follows through even when it’s hard—I built something for you.
🎯 A time-efficient, structured fitness system designed to help you show up consistently, push through resistance, and feel powerful again.
👉 Start your journey with The Fit 40 Method™
📚 Sources:
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Shackman et al., The Psychological and Neural Architecture of Persistence
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Chong et al., Neural Activity in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex is Required for Effort-Based Decision Making
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Parvizi et al., The Will to Persevere Induced by Electrical Stimulation of the Human Cingulate Gyrus – Neuron
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Brain Stimulation May Induce the Human Will to Persevere – Wired
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Huberman Lab Podcast Episode: How to Build Immense Inner Strength with David Goggins