My Story
From Burning Out to
Building Up
I spent years researching the science of willpower and pushing myself to the breaking point. Now I'm using AI to help others achieve greatness—without paying the price I did.
The Obsession That Changed Everything
I've always believed that the human brain is the most marvelous tool in the known universe. There's greatness at the center of every human mind, just waiting to be unlocked.
In 2011, I became obsessed with understanding how we unlock that potential. I read everything I could find on neuroscience, decision-making, habit formation, and the psychology of achievement. I used these lessons to push past my comfort zone as an introvert, achieve success as an athlete, and embrace the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.
The common thread? Willpower. The ability to do what needs to be done, even when you don't feel like it.
After four years of learning and applying these principles, I launched Willpowered—a blog dedicated to sharing the science of perseverance. I wanted to help others unlock the greatness within their minds.
My Purpose
“To help individuals use the tools of science to unlock the greatness within their mind and take control of their future.”
The Will of Heroes
In 2015, I ran a Kickstarter campaign to publish my first book. With only 10 days left and less than half my goal raised, I refused to give up. More time at the keyboard. Less sleep. Repeat.
By some miracle, I raised $13,000. I moved to Florida, eliminated all distractions, and wrote 140,000 words in three months.
The book shares the stories of twelve extraordinary individuals—from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Helen Keller—and the science behind how they willed themselves to greatness.
The Dark Side of Willpower
Success came at a terrible cost—one I didn't see coming until it was too late.
“I'm only 31 years young and I can no longer use my hands to navigate my phone, drive a car, or type the words you are reading now.”
This is not due to any medical condition or genetic disability. It's the result of pushing myself too hard for too long.
I applied the science of willpower to push through fatigue, pain, and every signal my body sent me to slow down. I told myself that the discomfort was just my brain being conservative—that I could push through like the heroes I studied.
I was wrong. Willpower without wisdom is dangerous.
The damage accumulated over years of 14-hour days at the keyboard. Writing, editing, promoting, building online courses—all while ignoring the pain creeping through my wrists and hands.
When I finally sought medical help, the specialists delivered devastating news: I would likely never be able to type on a keyboard or tap on a phone again.
Finding Hope in Technology
As I looked at braces on both my hands, a thought occurred to me: I am truly lucky to be living in this time.
The human hand is a marvelous tool. But it is not as marvelous as the human brain. I had the wealth of all human knowledge available on the internet and emerging tools that could help me accomplish work without my hands.
I became an early adopter of voice technology. What started as a necessity became a revelation. In today's world, you do not need the use of your hands to do meaningful work. All you need is your mind.
Every word on this website was created using voice commands. And as AI technology has evolved, I've realized something even more profound...
Why I'm Building Willson
I spent years learning the hard way. I pushed myself to the breaking point, made countless mistakes, and paid a permanent physical price.
What if there was a better way?
What if you could learn from all the heroes I studied, apply the proven science of willpower, and get personalized guidance—without the trial and error that cost me my hands?
That's why I'm building Willson. He contains everything I've learned from a decade of research, the stories of twelve extraordinary achievers, and the hard-won wisdom from my own journey.
The Mission Continues
My purpose hasn't changed. I still want to help individuals unlock the greatness within their minds. But now, I can do it in a way that's accessible to everyone—without requiring them to sacrifice their health or spend years learning through painful trial and error.
What I Believe
The principles that guide everything I create
Greatness is learnable
The heroes I studied weren't born exceptional. They became exceptional through deliberate effort and the right methodology.
Science beats motivation
Motivation fades. Understanding how your brain works and building systems based on science creates lasting change.
Wisdom prevents suffering
You don't have to learn every lesson the hard way. The stories of those who came before can light your path.
Technology amplifies humanity
AI and voice technology don't replace human potential—they remove barriers to achieving it.
Balance enables endurance
Sustainable success requires knowing when to push and when to rest. I learned this the hard way.
Everyone deserves a coach
Personalized guidance shouldn't be a luxury. AI can democratize access to world-class mentorship.