We all make plans. Some are big, like going on a trip. Some are little, such as deciding to clean the house on Saturday. But, even when we genuinely want to, we don’t always follow through on our plans. Ever wonder why? Let’s dive into the world of human behavior to find out.
Human Behavior is a big topic. One piece might be how we feel. Another might be what we think. Yet another might be what others expect of us. All these pieces fit together and decide how we act or don’t act on our plans.
Assume you decide to go for a run the next morning. You can feel fatigued or lethargic the next day. Perhaps it’s freezing outside.
Or you may believe, “I can always run tomorrow.” Your pal may call and request a quick coffee talk.
With all of this going on, you decide not to run. All of these are puzzle parts. They alter how we carry out our plans.
Sometimes, we feel afraid. It can be frightening to set a large goal, such as starting a new work or moving to a new location. That worry might stymie our progress. It’s like carrying a large, heavy sack.
This bag holds us back. It’s hard to walk or run with it. That’s how our fear affects our plans.
Other times, we doubt ourselves. We might think, “Am I good enough? Can I really do it?” These thoughts are like little bugs.
They buzz around our heads and annoy us. They make us feel unsure. When we’re unsure, it’s hard to take action.
But it’s not just our feelings or thoughts. It’s also about habits. Habits are things we do without thinking. Like brushing our teeth or tying our shoes.
If we’re used to sitting and watching TV every evening, it’s hard to suddenly go for a run.
Our body and mind like what they know. Changing habits is like trying to push a big rock. It takes a lot of effort.
There’s good news, though. We can learn and change. Think of the brain as a garden.
Right now, there might be some weeds. These weeds are our doubts, fears, and habits.
But we can pull them out. And we can plant new seeds. Seeds of confidence, courage, and action.
Over time, these seeds grow. They become strong plants that help us stick to our plans.
So, how can we make our plans work? Here are 4 simple steps:
Know Why:
Before making a plan, ask yourself, “Why do I want to do this?” If you have a strong reason, it will help you stick to the plan.
Small Steps:
Big goals can feel scary. Break them into small steps. Each step is easier to do. And each step takes you closer to your goal.
Buddy Up:
Find a friend who has a similar plan. Do it together. When one feels lazy or unsure, the other can give a push.
Write It Down:
When you write your plan, it becomes real. Put it where you can see it. Like on the fridge or next to your bed.
Understanding Human Behavior: Final Words
In the end, understanding why plans fall through is about knowing ourselves better. We have many pieces in our puzzle.
Some help us. Some make things hard. But with the right steps, we can make our puzzle look just the way we want.