Even smart people make this mistake on the way to the goal

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

We often substitute the concepts of "do" and "do" without noticing it ourselves.

Doing and Doing: What's the Difference

To better illustrate the difference between these two states, here are some examples.

Make	Do
I am jotting down 20 ideas for a future article.	I sat down, wrote and published an article
I'm looking for a new diet and reading weight loss books	I actually eat healthy food
I go to the gym and I find out about the opportunity to hire a coach	I pick up dumbbells and start swinging
I'm preparing for a test or diploma	I am taking a test or writing a thesis

Sometimes the first type of behavior allows you to carefully prepare, develop a clear strategy and learn well. But by itself, it will never lead you to the desired result.

It doesn’t matter how many times you have discussed the sessions with your coach. Conversations don't get in shape.

Only active exercise will help you. You have to make them in order to achieve the desired shape.

Why do we do instead of do

If the first type of behavior (“do”) does not lead to results, why do we continue to pull the cat by the tail? Sometimes we actually need to learn or plan something. But more often than not, we beat around the bush and do not start the task. It gives the feeling that we are making progress without risking making a mistake.

Most people hate criticism. No one wants to make mistakes or listen to public condemnation, so we avoid situations in which this can happen. And this is the main reason why we get stuck moving towards the goal, rather than taking action.

Yes, I would like to get in shape. But I don't want to look stupid in the gym. So I'll just talk to the trainer about the rates for the classes.

It's very easy to convince yourself that you are doing the right thing. It seems that things are being done, but in reality you are just getting ready to do them. If preparation turns into a form of procrastination, it's time to change something.

How to force yourself to do

There are many strategies. But we will look at a couple of measures that have been proven in practice.

Schedule the task

Write down what should happen on certain days (maybe even hours). For example, every Monday and Thursday I write a new article and publish it. I know for sure that these days I will get a certain result - ready-made materials. This is a wonderful feeling!

Or, for example, I go to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I have a schedule for each week. I don’t plan what exercises I’ll do, and I don’t look for a workout program. I'm just practicing.

Want to change your lifestyle? The best approach is to set a tight schedule and stick to it.

Select a day to go from “doing” to “done”

For some purposes, setting a daily or weekly task schedule may not work. For example, you might have a timetable to write one chapter each week for your book. But to release this book, you can spend weeks or even months planning its presentation, posting it on various resources, and so on.

In such a situation, it is best to choose a specific date. Just mark it on the calendar. Tell your friends, acquaintances, subscribers when this day should come X. For large projects or one-time tasks, this is one of the most effective methods. Force yourself to go from “doing” to “done” by setting a hard deadline.

Choose "do" instead of "do"

Never confuse business with results.

John Wooden legendary basketball player and basketball coach

Thinking about how to complete your task will not lead you to your goal. Do it!