I know what I want to do, so why don't I do it?
Conor Neill
President @ Vistage Spain | Accelerating Business Growth | Senior Lecturer @ IESE Business School
Why don't we do what we know we should do?
"The problem is that many change efforts are based on the assumption that all you have to do is to explain to people that their life could be better, be convincing that the goals are worth going for and show them how to do it."
David Maister, Strategy and the Fat Smoker
We don't make most changes because the benefits come later, whereas the pain (of self discipline) comes immediately. This is not a good deal for the emotional, instinctual part of us as human beings.
Last week I heard Jesse Itzler speak to the global Entrepreneurs' Organisation. He shared a story about the difference between "I could" and "I will".
"I will" > "I could"
In his first business, Jesse had an offer from an investor that came at very poor terms for Jesse. While thinking about what he should do, Jesse had a conversation with his girlfriend's father. This father was a successful entrepreneur.
The father asked "If you don't receive this investment, will you build the business?"
Jesse said "If I don't receive the investment, I could do it..."
The father interrupted "I didn't ask if you could do it... I asked if you will do it. There is a massive difference."
Knowing how and actually doing... there is a massive gap. If you know what you want to do, why don't you do it?
I share 2 videos here below: first "I know what I want to do, so why don't I do it?". The second looks at the 3 forces that do cause us to make changes in our life.
I know what I want to do, so why don't I do it?
The 3 Reasons we Change
How to effect change in yourself and in others:
- Pain
- Vision
- Fear of future consequences
How to achieve change - increase the awareness of the current pain, increase the clarity of the future positive vision, or increase the clarity of the future negative impact of not making the change.
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I hope this article gave you some practical ideas for how to take charge of your life.
Thanks for reading,
Conor
Make sure to check out more of my latest articles because little things keep becoming bigger and better when you think about them in new and different ways.
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I had the pleasure to meet you at IEEM in Uruguay about 4 or more years ago (i don't exactly remember when it was). Thanks very much for your posts, i read them all. I totally agree with small steps everyday and run like a horse !! Good habits is the key to success. Hope to see you soon again in Uruguay
Export Back Office
3 年Well said Conor Neill. Small steps helps us get started, and once we are in motion it’s easier to continue.
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3 年Coonor Neill addresses the gap between knowing and doing with two engaging and entertaining videos: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/i-know-what-want-do-so-why-dont-conor-neill/?trackingId=efrhzVzEXNvLpYWq%2FHR%2Fkg%3D%3D
Directora de Marketing & Comunicaciones AmCham Panamá//Presidenta Fundación Oir es Vivir//Embajadora Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Panamá //Embajadora del #EspírituJ
3 年Conor Neill I really enjoyed listeling to your video on "can you take one more step" to achieve big changes! Will keep it in mind every time I think I can′t go any further, I will stop and just ask my self if I can go ONE MORE STEP.
External Advisor for Business Development
3 年Very interesting to think about! Thanks for sharing Conor Neill!