“I’ll study for the exam later tonight.” But come tomorrow and I still haven’t opened my textbook.
“I need to start eating healthier.” But at dinner, I will order a burger instead of a salad.
“I’ll start working out tomorrow...or maybe next week.” But a month passes I still spend my free time watching Netflix instead of hitting the gym.
“I guess I will begin looking for internships soon.” But the summer comes and I’m working a minimum wage job because I kept putting the applications off.
We are all guilty of it. We come up with these grand ideas but never put them into action. The endless to-do lists, the goals that were set but never met, the failed exams because of procrastination; they were all times when we were all talk but no walk.
We have all talked endlessly about our great plans and have acted like a fairy godmother will come into our life and make our dreams a reality. But unless you’re Cinderella that’s just not going to happen.
You’re the only one that can make things happen. You have to get off your butt, stop talking, and start doing.
It may be easy to put off “small” tasks but you’re ultimately setting yourself up for failure in the long run. The smaller tasks can cumulate into a larger burden when piled on until the last minute. Instead of starting your homework assignment the night it is due, consider getting it done early. Not only will you mark an item off your to-do list but you will also free up time in the future to do other, more fun, things.
If you need help changing from “talking” to “doing” find a support system to motivate you to reach your goals. If your goal is to lose weight, consider joining a workout program. You will all be in the same boat trying to reach your own personal goals. The more people you surround yourself with the more people you have to motivate and keep you accountable.
Once you start reaching for your goals, stick to a schedule and reward yourself when you hit a milestone. When studying for a major exam, plan out a detailed study schedule and join a study group. Every time you finish a learning a chunk of material, reward yourself with something you enjoy. The more positivity associated with your goals, the more you will be willing to stay on track.
You have to recognize that all you are doing is talking and not getting anything done. Life won’t get easier by leaving goals and tasks unfinished. Eventually, the endless to-do lists will dwindle down to a few items, your goals won’t seem as unreachable and grand ideas will actually happen.
“I’ll study for the exam later tonight.” Will become, “I’ll make and stick to a study schedule.”
“I need to start eating healthier.” Will become, “I will start subbing vegetables and fruits for carbs and fats.”
“I’ll start working out tomorrow...or maybe next week.” Will become, “I will go for a run at least three times a week.”
“I guess I will begin looking for internships soon.” Will become, “I will make an appointment with the Career Center to see what my options are.”
