Training vs. Trying: Why Willpower Isn't Enough

Training vs. Trying: Why Willpower Isn't Enough

From Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol by Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley

July 7, 2026 · 51 min · Season 9 · Episode 4

About this episode

This episode explores the difference between trying and training in the context of spiritual growth and habit formation.

Why do so many of us walk away from a great sermon or podcast fired up to change... only to fall back into old patterns a week later? In this episode, we explore the critical difference between trying and training —and why most spiritual growth advice sets people up to fail. This conversation continues our monthly conversation between Dr. Carol, Avery Montgomery, and Zion Montgomery as we draw on insights from the ancient practice of a "Rule of Life," and unpack what it actually looks like to build sustainable, daily habits that reshape what we love, not just what we know. What You'll Learn: Why "trying harder" doesn't work. Trying is often isolated, outcome-focused, and disconnected from daily practice—which is why it leads to discouragement instead of lasting change. The Spectator Trap. Constantly consuming sermons, books, and podcasts can feel like growth, but without active engagement, it just makes us better-informed spectators of our own lives. What training actually requires. Unlike trying, training is a process: daily engagement, repetition, and drills that compound over time. Effort vs. earning. God isn't opposed to effort—He's opposed to earning. Training is effort…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley

Guests: Avery Montgomery, Zion Montgomery

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