Why I am unable to do the things I know I should do?
We know that at any given time there are certain things that is the best for us to do. Yet, it is often increasingly difficult to do exactly that. Why does this happen?
9/27/20252 min read
That’s a very human experience and we are definitely not the only ones feeling this way. Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two different processes, and a gap often opens up between them. These are some of the key reasons why this happens.
1. The brain’s reward system
Our brains evolved to seek short-term rewards (comfort, safety, pleasure) over long-term benefits. Even if you know something is good for you (studying, exercising, saving money), your brain may prioritize the immediate relief of avoiding effort or stress.
2. Decision fatigue and being overwhelmed
When you have too many choices or tasks, your mind can find it difficult to focus on one partcular action and shut down. Even simple tasks feel heavier if your plate is already full.
3. The risks of being a perfectionist
Sometimes we don’t start working on something because we’re afraid we won’t do it well enough. This fear can disguise itself as procrastination or waiting for the right time.
4. Energy and emotion management
Willpower is tied to mental and physical energy. Lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, or anxiety can drain your ability to act, even if the task itself isn’t huge. Sometimes it’s not about laziness at all, but about depleted reserves.
5. Identity and motivation misalignment
If the thing you should do doesn’t feel aligned with who you are or what you value, you will resist it. For example, exercising because you should versus exercising because you see yourself as someone who takes care of their body are very different motivators.
6. Habits versus willpower
Relying on willpower alone is fragile. It is difficult to sustain, as it fades under stress. Habits, small routines, and environmental design (like laying out your shoes before bed if you want to run in the morning) bypass that struggle.
#What you can try instead
Break the task into the smallest possible next step. Don’t write the essay, just open the doc.
Use temporal tricks. Promise yourself you will only do the task for 5 minutes. Often, momentum carries you forward.
Reduce friction. Change your environment so the desired action is the default.
Reframe the task. Instead of I should, try I choose to or link it to a bigger value you care about.
Rest strategically. Sometimes, you are not lazy, you are simply depleted. Rest, recharge and give it another go.