What does “Überwindung” mean in German?

She forces herself out on a cold morning and says it kostet ein bisschen Überwindung — it takes a bit of pushing herself. Überwindung is that small inner resistance you have to get past before doing something you would rather skip. Germans pair it with kostet: etwas kostet Überwindung means something costs you that push to start. She goes anyway, because it is worth it.

“...auch wenn es ein bisschen Überwindung kostet, morgens bei der Kälte rauszugehen.” — “...even if it takes a bit of pushing yourself to go out in the cold in the morning.” Es kostet mich Überwindung, kaltes Wasser anzuschalten. — It takes some pushing myself to turn on cold water. Den ersten Anruf zu machen, kostet oft ein bisschen Überwindung. — Making the first call often takes a little pushing yourself. Sie geht trotzdem joggen — mit etwas Überwindung. — She goes jogging anyway — with a bit of effort to make herself. Usage notes: The everyday phrase is “etwas kostet (mich) Überwindung” — something takes inner effort to start. The matching verb is “sich überwinden” (“ich überwinde mich” = I make myself do it). It fits ordinary small struggles: going out in the cold, starting a workout, sending a message — not huge ones.