In the past, I also used to stick harsh motivational quotes on my refrigerator. However, after a few days, they just became part of the background. For those who have experienced similar trials, you'll know that when intense hunger strikes, no wise saying or quote can truly reach you. Motivational quotes certainly have their benefits. They are excellent 'switches' for refocusing a wandering mind without costing a penny, especially when setting goals and building initial momentum. However, over-relying on willpower often causes us to ignore the warning signs our bodies send. When the brain signals hunger and we suppress it through sheer mental force, stress hormones are released, often leading to a cycle of binge eating. The resulting sense of failure makes the next attempt even harder. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we look for the root causes of why someone might struggle to lose weight or lose motivation so easily. We often find these causes in Dam-eum (痰飮, phlegm-fluid), which is metabolic waste, or Eo-hyeol (瘀血, blood stasis), where blood circulation is stagnant. In particular, a state of Bi-heo (脾虛, Spleen deficiency)—where the Spleen's function is weakened and vitality is low—means the body cannot generate enough energy, leading to rapid exhaustion regardless of how many motivational quotes you read. This should be viewed as a lack of metabolic efficiency rather than a lack of willpower. Therefore, my recommendation varies by situation. If your physical energy is high, motivational quotes can be a great catalyst. But if you find yourself failing within three days and feeling physically heavy, do not blame your willpower. Instead, check your metabolic state first. Your mind can only find the strength to reach the finish line when your body is in a state of balance and comfort.