By James Gordon
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
“It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.” The core of this James Gordon quote about change opens up real questions about personal growth and self-improvement. Why do some people seem to thrive when facing tough choices, while others struggle to stick with their goals? At first glance, this statement truly gets at the heart of motivation, and its relevance is both emotional and practical. Everybody, at some point, asks themselves what separates change-makers from those who stay stuck.
What Does This Quote Mean?
James Gordon’s powerful statement, “It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not,” carries a straightforward message with layers worth exploring. On the surface, Gordon is addressing the age-old debate about willpower: Is it a quality that only a select few possess, or does everyone have equal potential? The James Gordon quote about change suggests the issue is not about the mysterious presence or absence of willpower itself. Instead, the deciding factor is a person’s actual readiness to change.
When people talk about willpower, they’re often referring to their ability to resist temptation or push through tough times. This quote flips that thinking. Rather than make willpower a rare gift, Gordon emphasizes a universal human truth: readiness is the true trigger for change. Readiness comes from honesty about what needs to shift, and a willingness to accept both the discomfort and the excitement that come with that process.
Metaphorically, you can think of willpower like a seed. It needs soil, water, and sunlight — in this case, the “conditions” are your emotional preparedness and genuine desire to do things differently. Without those, even the strongest seed won’t grow. When someone is ready inside, the behaviors and actions they need seem more possible. It’s not about people being divided into the strong and the weak, but about timing and genuine intent.
This perspective is deeply empowering because it suggests that anyone, at any time, can prepare themselves to change. It isn’t about lacking personal strength. It’s about finding that moment when you’re truly open to creating something new in your life.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Examine Your Motivation Before Starting
If you’re thinking about making a shift — whether it’s adopting healthier habits, quitting a bad routine, or chasing a big dream — pause and ask: Am I truly ready to change? The lesson from this James Gordon quote about change is that motivation isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about being honest with yourself about your willingness to go through the process. Checking in with your real reasons for change can help you avoid frustration down the line.
2. Let Go of Self-Blame
Many people get discouraged or even shame themselves when their willpower seems to run out. This quote reminds you to check your readiness instead of blaming a lack of strength. If you’ve failed at something repeatedly, it may be because you were not actually prepared to handle the sacrifices or new patterns required yet. Accept that readiness takes time, and acknowledge where you honestly stand right now.
3. Create Readiness, Don’t Wait for It
Readiness isn’t always about waiting for a magical moment. Sometimes, you can grow your own readiness by gathering support, learning more, or breaking your changes into smaller steps. Ask yourself: What would make me more prepared to change? Maybe it’s talking to friends, setting realistic expectations, or understanding your own emotional barriers. Moving closer to readiness makes the shift less daunting.
4. Be Patient With Others
When you see someone else struggling to change, resist the urge to judge their “willpower.” As Gordon’s quote suggests, the process is more complex. People don’t lack character; they’re working through their own journey towards readiness. Express empathy, and if appropriate, offer gentle encouragement without pushing or shaming.
5. Celebrate the Moment You Are Ready
Often, the actual decision to change is the real turning point. Recognize the internal moment when you genuinely decide to move forward. Celebrate it — even before you see results. This builds confidence and makes it more likely you will follow through. Small signs of readiness, like curiosity or a sense of possibility, deserve acknowledgment.
6. Use Self-Awareness as a Tool
True change often starts with self-reflection. Ask: What holds me back right now? Am I making this shift for me, or because I think I “should”? Honest self-inquiry can tell you whether it’s time to act or time to grow your readiness further.
By applying the message of this James Gordon quote about change, you give yourself permission to approach transformation at your own pace — without shame, guilt, or unnecessary pressure. The focus shifts from gritting your teeth to doing the deeper emotional and mental work.
✨ The Motivation Message
You have every right to change your life on your own terms! Readiness is personal — and it’s powerful. Maybe you’ve tried and stumbled. Maybe you’ve doubted yourself or compared your progress to others. Let yourself off the hook! 😊 You do not have to be superhuman to make meaningful changes. You just need that spark of honesty, the moment where you say, “Now is my time.”
Whenever you decide you’re ready, that’s the moment doors open. The discomfort of change is temporary, but the pride you’ll feel lasts a lifetime. Start small if you must. There is no perfect moment — but your willingness is enough to ignite growth. Remember: You get to choose when, how, and why you shift. We all have the power to prepare ourselves for what’s next — and there is no shame in waiting until your heart is truly in it. Trust yourself, take the step, and grow with confidence. The only limit is the one you set for yourself. Try it and see — you might just surprise yourself! 🚀
About James Gordon
James Gordon, who was born in 1947, is a noted American psychiatrist, author, and pioneer in using integrative approaches to mental health. He leads The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, where he has focused for decades on trauma recovery, self-care, and empowering people to harness inner resources. Throughout his long career, James Gordon has worked internationally with populations facing stress and crisis, believing deeply in the healing power of hope and personal initiative.
Gordon’s overall message encourages individuals to take an active, honest role in their own well-being. He teaches that meaningful change does not depend on innate strength, but on one’s readiness to grow and heal. The quote, “It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not,” perfectly reflects his lifelong vision. Gordon reminds us that self-compassion and timing are essential ingredients for real transformation — principles he has woven through both his clinical work and his writing.
