Most of us know that we should exercise regularly, eat well, and sleep enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But why don’t we do it? Why do we struggle so much with following through on the things we know we should do?
The reasons are many and multifaceted. I thought it would be useful to examine some of the biggest culprits that prevent us from doing what we know we should. We’ll also explore some practical things you can do to overcome these obstacles and start living a more fulfilling life. So let’s dive into it
- Lack of Focus
How often do you get distracted by the next shiny object or opportunity? It’s easy to lose focus, especially when we’re constantly comparing ourselves to others. We have a fear of missing out (FOMO) that makes us feel like we always need to be doing something new and exciting. But the key to success is consistency. If we can stay focused on our goals, we’re more likely to achieve them.
To overcome this, we need to develop a habit of mindfulness. Start by setting specific and achievable goals for yourself. Then, create a schedule that helps you prioritize your time and focus on the things that matter most. By minimizing distractions, you can keep your attention on what’s important.
- Instant Gratification
We all want results, and we want them now. When we don’t see instant results, we’re more likely to give up. But the reality is that real success is built on habits, systems and routines. In order to create lasting change, we need to develop a system of feedback that shows us the progress we’re making. This feedback helps us stay motivated and gives us the momentum to keep going.
To combat this, you need to start with set realistic expectations. Measure =your progress regularly and focus on improvement, not perfection. Set up a system of rewards for each small step you take, and track your progress along the way. By keeping a record of your achievements, you can see how far you’ve come, which can be incredibly motivating. A habit tracking tool is a great idea to use.
- Social Norms and Environment
We are social creatures, and we like to fit in and belong. But sometimes, our social norms and environment can get in the way of our goals. If we’re always surrounded by people who don’t share our ambitions or values, it can be challenging to maintain our focus.
To overcome this, we need to surround ourselves with people who support us and share our vision. Seek out mentors and like-minded individuals who can encourage you on your journey. And don’t be afraid to make changes to your environment if it’s not supporting your goals.
- Fear of Failure
We all have a fear of failure. It’s natural to want to avoid the discomfort and disappointment that comes with falling short of our goals. But if we let that fear hold us back, we’ll never achieve anything truly great.
To overcome this, start realising that failure is a data point, an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the discomfort and use it to fuel your motivation. And remember, everyone fails, if you don’t fail, you’re probably not aiming high enough. The real focus point should not be on the failure because that’s inevitable, what’s not inevitable is getting back up. This is where winners focus.
- Laziness
Let’s face it – it’s easier to stay in our comfort zone than to push ourselves to try new things. Change requires effort, and sometimes we just don’t feel like putting in the work. You’ve got to want it, not just be interested in having it.
To overcome this, we need to remember our ‘why.’ Why did we decide to make this change in the first place? What are the rewards of putting in the effort? By keeping our motivations front and centre, we can stay committed to our goals, even when it feels hard. At the end of the day it will come down to the person you want to be. Make it about your identity.
Summary:
So, why don’t we do what we know we should? It’s not an easy question to answer, and the reasons are many. But by understanding these obstacles and developing strategies to overcome them, we can start living a more fulfilling life.
Remember, change isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. So don’t wait – start taking action today because the best day is the one you’re in. Focus, measure your progress, surround yourself with support, face your fear of failure, and stay committed to your goals.
If you’d like to know more about self-mastery you can download my Principles of Self-Mastery Here.
