What a great message to kick us back into gear as we have likely abandoned New Year’s Resolutions. It is March Fourth, and I ask you, how are you Marching Forth?
I have found myself amid several conversations in the last week that included the statement, “I know what to do, but I just don’t do it.” What is this that we say? Why do we not do what we know is right for “us?”
- We know we should exercise; however, according to a recent study, “23.4 percent of men participated in sports, exercise, and recreational activities daily, compared to only 19.6 percent of women”.
- We know we should eat healthily; however, “50 percent of Americans claim to actively try to eat healthily.”
- We know we should save money; however, “42% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings as of 2022.”
What separates the good from the great is the willingness to do what you know you should do without fail. Stop contemplating those things that you have already figured out. Stop making decisions in those areas of your life that are already solved, and do it!
When researching the habits of some of the most successful people, I found four traits most common:
The list is not surprising, as most of us know the benefits of doing these things. Notably, these people find time for these habits despite their demanding careers and schedules. Then why can’t we?
First, it’s important to understand that knowledge alone is not enough to create lasting change. While knowing what to do is a crucial first step, our habits, behaviors, and beliefs are often deeply ingrained and difficult to change. Creating new habits and changing our behavior takes time, effort, and consistency.
Second, fear, self-doubt, and procrastination can also prevent us from acting on what we should do. We might fear failure, fear success, or doubt our abilities to achieve our goals. Procrastination can also be a way of avoiding discomfort or uncertainty in the short term, even if it ultimately leads to negative consequences in the long term.
Last, our environment and social influences can also play a role. The people and situations around us often shape our habits and behaviors. If our friends or family members have different habits or behaviors, making changes that go against the norm can be challenging.
To overcome these obstacles and start taking action on what we should do, it’s important first to identify the root causes of our inaction. We can then create a plan to address these factors and develop strategies to overcome them. This might involve seeking support from others, changing our environment, or breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Ultimately, taking action and progressing toward our goals requires a combination of self-awareness, discipline, and persistence.
By developing the discipline and commitment to do what needs to be done consistently, you can achieve great things and become the best version of yourself.
March Forth and make March 4th count!
Life as I live it — L.
References:
Healthy Eating — https://www.statista.com/chart/16796/us-interest-in-healthy-food/#:~:text=Around%20half%20of%20Americans%20are,actively%20try%20to%20eat%20healthy.