“I promised myself I’d stick to my diet this week, yet when the chocolate cake showed up at work, I couldn’t say no!”
“I intended to go for a jog, but the chilly rain outside makes binge-watching my favorite show seem so much more inviting.”
“I really should start that project, but what’s one more day of procrastination going to hurt?”
These thoughts resonate with many of us. We are aware of the things we ought to do—like exercising, quitting bad habits, or making that crucial phone call—but we often find it challenging to motivate ourselves to act. It’s such a common struggle that we may not even pause to consider why it occurs. Why do we frequently fail to do what we genuinely want?
The Mystery of Inaction
It’s puzzling that we can sincerely wish to complete a task but still falter in doing it. This phenomenon occurs frequently: we make plans with good intentions yet find it difficult to convert them into actions. This paradox is known as akrasia, a term that describes when we procrastinate or break our resolutions without valid reasons.
So, what triggers akrasia? Are we simply being lazy? Not quite.
Akrasia often arises in situations where the rewards are delayed—like exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, or working on a long-term project. While regular running can lead to improved fitness, the benefits aren’t evident after just one session. Similarly, starting that project early may ease future stress, but the immediate rewards feel minimal.
There’s usually an immediate cost associated with these positive activities or more enticing alternatives available. For instance, running might yield future benefits, but facing the harsh weather now can be a deterrent. Instead, curling up with a good show seems much more appealing in the moment. The same applies to working on your project when you could be enjoying a night out with friends who are also putting off their responsibilities. When it comes to choosing between immediate gratification and future benefits, we often lean toward the short-term pleasure.
The Clash of Two Selves
Another way to understand this dilemma is by imagining “present-you” and “future-you” as separate entities. Have you noticed that inner struggle, like a conversation between an angel and a devil debating your choices? You might find that “present-you” is eager to run tonight, but “evening-you” would rather stay cozy on the couch. Research in psychology reveals that we tend to have what are called “time-inconsistent preferences.” For instance, when asked whether they’d prefer an apple or a chocolate bar, those wanting an immediate snack often choose the chocolate, while those considering the future opt for the healthier apple.
The Bright Side: You’re Not Lazy
The good news? Just because you fail to act on your intentions doesn’t mean you’re lazy. The not-so-great news is that motivating yourself to engage in tasks with delayed rewards is inherently challenging. In an upcoming article, I’ll discuss strategies to help you overcome this hurdle, including how to create personal rewards that encourage you to pursue your goals.
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Summary
In essence, many of us struggle to act on our good intentions due to the allure of immediate rewards overshadowing long-term benefits. By recognizing this internal conflict and understanding the psychology behind our choices, we can better navigate our motivations and find ways to achieve our goals.