Why It Is So Hard To Do What You Want

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In a frictionless world, the lag time between want and action is zero, i e maximum productivity.

Still, there can be times when everything is laid out for you, but you do not take action. You have every document and information available when crafting your next memo, but nothing happens. You want to get it finished but cannot muster the necessary steps.

Is it because you do not want it enough, or is there any other explanation?

Let’s take another analogy: getting out of bed. You want to start the day fresh with maximum intention. Simultaneously, another part of you immensely enjoys the blanket, pillows, and bed. This side of you wants to stay there as long as possible because it is so cozy. To make matters worse, another part of you is terrified of what will happen during the day and just want to hide.

In the meantime, nothing happens, and you become increasingly frustrated. “Why can’t I get up?”

To solve this dire but common dilemma, I firmly believe we need to banish the loose concept of willpower altogether. We, instead, must embrace the fact that we have multiple wants. All of these are competing for power and influence.