We don’t follow through because it’s hard work.
Following through on our intentions is a challenging task that requires discipline, motivation, and perseverance. To understand why it’s hard for people to follow through, take a look at the stages of change that individuals often go through when they are trying to make a significant change in their lives.
The first stage of change is pre-contemplation, where individuals are not yet considering making a change. At this stage, they may be unaware of the problem or not see the need to
change. Without recognition of the issue, they are unlikely to take any steps toward following through on their intentions.
The second stage is contemplation, where individuals recognize that there is an issue and begin to consider making a change. At this stage, they may weigh the pros and cons of making the change, explore their motivations and barriers, and gather information to inform their decision.
The third stage is preparation, where individuals are ready to take action and begin planning how they will follow through on their intentions. At this stage, they may set specific goals, develop a plan, and identify the resources and support they need to make the change.
The fourth stage is action, where individuals begin to take concrete steps toward achieving their goals. At this stage, they may implement the plan they developed in the preparation stage, seek out additional support and resources, and take steps to overcome any obstacles or challenges they encounter.
The final stage is maintenance, where individuals work to maintain the changes they have made and continue to build on their progress. At this stage, they may continue to seek support, set new goals, and monitor their progress to stay motivated and focused.
Throughout these stages, individuals may encounter various obstacles and challenges that make it difficult for them to follow through on their intentions. These include a lack of motivation, fear of failure, competing priorities, or external stressors. By understanding these challenges and the stages of change, individuals can develop strategies to overcome them and achieve their goals.
One reason why it’s hard for people to follow through is that they often lack clear goals or plans. Without a specific target in mind or a roadmap to get there, it’s easy to lose focus and become distracted by other things. This lack of clarity can lead to procrastination, as we struggle to prioritize our tasks and make progress toward our objectives.
Another reason why people struggle to follow through is due to fear of failure or success. Sometimes we doubt our abilities and worry that we will not be able to achieve what we set out to do. Other times, we may fear the consequences of success, such as increased responsibility or attention. These fears can lead us to self-sabotage, procrastinate, or avoid taking risks altogether.
A lack of motivation can also make it hard for people to follow through on their goals. When we are not excited or passionate about what we’re doing, it’s easy to become bored, disengaged, or demotivated. This can be especially challenging when we are working towards long-term goals that require sustained effort and dedication.
Finally, external factors such as stress, distractions, or competing priorities can make it difficult for people to follow through. When we’re overwhelmed by external pressures or distractions, it can be hard to stay focused on our goals and take the necessary steps to achieve them.
Long answer, but if you want a shorter one …
- We may not be ready to change.
- We might not be focused.
- It might not be our priority.
- We may not have the energy or motivation to do the work.
And a million other reasons.
Bottom-line, people do only what they are compelled to do and only do it at the moment they are compelled to do it.
If you want to get someone to do something, you need to make it compelling AND give them a reason to do it right now.
Just my two cents!
All the best,
Ken McArthur
Best-Selling Author and Producer
KenMcArthur.com
The Impact Factor Movie
The Impact Masterminds