3 Reasons You’Re Not Doing What You Say You’Ll Do

Embrace the Unseen: Defying the Myth of Innate Talent

In the grand theater of life, we often find ourselves stuck in the relentless cycle of defensive failure. Amanda Crowell, a cognitive psychologist, sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon that plagues our pursuits. Picture this: it's Sunday, and you declare with unwavering determination to hit the gym thrice that week. Yet, come Friday, your gym attendance is a resounding zero. The enigma of defensive failure perplexes us all.

Crowell unravels three powerful mindset blocks contributing to this cycle, and the first one hits close to home. It's the belief that somewhere deep down, you harbor the conviction that you can't do it. Whether it's conquering a 5K run in baggy yoga pants or tackling any other challenge, the myth of innate talent can be a formidable adversary. But what if we were to adopt a growth mindset, a philosophy championed by the likes of Carol Dweck? What if we viewed rookie mistakes not as proof of inadequacy but as signposts on the path to success? The heart of achievement, after all, beats with the rhythm of effort over time.

Redefining Identity: People Like You Can Do Extraordinary Things

The second barricade in the road to success is the conviction that people like you don't engage in certain endeavors. Your identity, as you perceive it, becomes a barrier rather than a bridge. As a heart-centered helper stepping into the realm of self-promotion, the clash feels inauthentic and pushy. Crowell suggests a remedy: seek out individuals who share your essence and are navigating similar journeys. Align your aspirations with your identity, making the networking event not a chore but a natural extension of who you are.

The networking event, the gym, or any other challenge—when it aligns with your authentic self, the resistance dissipates. So, if you find yourself resisting, questioning if "people like you" do such things, remember, they do. And so can you.

Unveiling True Desires: The Intricacies of Intrinsic Interest

The third sentinel in the cycle of defensive failure is a secret struggle: you don't want to do it. You've convinced yourself that you should want it for extrinsic reasons—external validations, societal expectations, or fleeting admiration. However, the allure of these external motivators often fades in the face of immediate, intrinsic desires.

Consider the lunch budget dilemma: the choice between a lavish meal with friends and a humble vending machine snack. Your decision hinges on why you want to stick to a budget. If it's about creating a future home filled with warmth and joy, the vending machine prevails. However, if the motivation stems from a desire to fit into societal norms, it might not be enough to quell the allure of a restaurant rendezvous.

Breaking Free: Embrace Clarity, Take Bold Steps

Now armed with the awareness of these three mindset blocks, the path to breaking free becomes clearer. Whether it's the belief in innate talent, the clash with your perceived identity, or the misalignment of desires, recognizing these barriers is the first step.

Clear your head, adopt a growth mindset, seek kinship with those on similar journeys, and reevaluate your intrinsic interest. As you take bold steps and persist in your endeavors, you become unstoppable. Remember, you are not confined to the cycle of defensive failure; you have the power to break free and chart your course towards success.

The journey is yours to unfold, filled with unexpected twists, bursts of creativity, and a symphony of achievements waiting to be composed. So, step into the spotlight of your own narrative, rewrite the script, and watch as the world applauds your unique, extraordinary journey.