Why You're Going To Continue Not Doing What You Want

You've been thinking about a habit you're interested in starting. It's been awhile since you thought you'd pick it up, but you still haven't. Why?

Not starting carries more power than you know. You aren't going to start because the power of not doing something is stronger than your willpower to pick up that new habit, skill or hobby.

The longer you don't do something the easier it is to continue not doing. Simple as that.

To make matters worse, your uncertainty about whether you will really take full advantage of whatever your habit is keeps you from taking action. Not knowing if you'll really benefit is preventing you from pursuing your habit too.

I want to do more outdoor activities.

My most current example is outdoor activity. I love it, I grew up surrounded by it and enjoying it, so why can't I get my ass out to do it?

It's because I am out of practice, I'm not part of a community, and there are too many options for where to begin — seriously, Floripa is a nature lover's wet dream.

Three quick lessons from my frustration are:

• don't worry about being in shape or 'good enough' to start
• cling on to others that are already doing it
• don't think about what is the best option. Go with the first one, then use what you learn from the experience to make an educated next step

Why Your Reasons Are Bullshit

First, if you want to start a new habit you should just do it. "It's not that simple," you're thinking.

Stop mulling over the about the ifs, ands, and buts and just start. You're less likely to keep churning thoughts in your head and break the ice of getting the ball rolling. 

Second, no matter what happens with your new habit you are going to benefit.

At the very least, you'll learn something new and have more awareness about the subject than you did before.

"But what if I don't learn anything new?" You may ask.

Consider this: if you completely fail or hate this new thing, you have effectively found something you know you don't like or a way to not do it. That's learning.

Also, you now know at least one thing you need to improve on. With even the simplest of questions and a Google search, you're going to know how to level up.

There is likely an entire YouTube channel (maybe thousands) dedicated to the exact thing you want to learn or start doing.

Don't Just Sit There, Do Something

In sum, a new year has started, and that means many people are talking about starting new habits or becoming a new version of themselves.

Great. I love it. Let's go!

However, in February when everyone gives up, I don't want to hear the same excuses about why it didn't work out.

At the very least, tackle the initial hesitation and know that, no matter what, you're going to come out on top.

Have any experience with the ups and downs of motivation and cultivating new habits? Share in the comments.