Can’t Stick to Your Plans? Here’s Why & How to Fix It
Have you ever made certain plans but not follow through? Then you think: I never stick to my plans, why bother? Do not worry, we have all done it, so you are not alone. Many of us plan our goals and make future plans with the intent to stick with them.
We have good intentions.
We have it in our heads as to what we want to do. We sit and plan to get something done and in the beginning we are motivated to do so. Heck, we even write it in the calendar or our journal so that we do not forget to do it.
But then something happens, and we end up pushing it to the side. Whether it is life that happens or something else. Sometimes it even gets pushed to the side so much that we often forget about it altogether.
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The Reasons You Cannot Stick to Your Plans
You are not motivated or excited about your plan
I am sure this has happened too many times to count. We have a plan that we need to stick with but we just can’t get motivated enough to follow through with the plan.
Maybe you are dreading having to do something or you just cannot get in the mood to do what needs to be done. We are so excited about the idea at first that we have every intention on following through with it and days or weeks later, we are no longer excited about it. We have all been there.
How to fix it:
If you are not motivated or excited about your plan anymore, there is probably something that is mentally blocking you from being excited. You know, the “it’s all in your head thing”.
To fix it, develop a habit of asking yourself if this is something that you actually want to do when you are writing it down or making a plan to do it. If it is, then stick with it and complete it. If it is not, then do not write it down.
You want perfection
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be perfect. Sometimes wanting everything to be perfect will only hold you back and can even keep you from sticking to your plan.
How to fix it:
Wanting things to be just right, without any mistakes, is just a setup for failure. Imperfect is ok sometimes. The only thing that matters is that you do everything you can to complete the plans you made. If it is not perfect, that is ok.
You do not plan for enough time
At some point in our planning process we tend to underestimate just how long it will take us to complete something.
Sometimes, we can get overconfident in our own abilities which makes us think that we can get things done sooner. When we do this, it can lead us to not giving ourselves enough time to complete the plans we have made.
How to fix it:
Consider your previous history and be honest with yourself when it comes to how much time you think you can complete your plan in.
Do not rush it and do not force yourself to be in too much of a rush. A little push to a deadline is okay and probably needed, but don’t underestimate how long a plan might take. If you don’t give yourself enough time, it will only discourage you from completing it.
Ways That You Can Stick with Your Plans
- Only make it a plan if you are sure you want to follow through with it.
- Take it seriously and keep the excitement going.
- Stay focused on the outcome.
- Do not let your mind play tricks on you into believing that you can’t do it.
- Give yourself enough time to finish.
- Strive for perfection, but do not let it keep you from completing your goal.
- Be honest with yourself and give yourself enough time to complete it.
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There are so many different things that can keep us from sticking with our plans. It is important that we stay serious and motivated when we do make plans so that we can stay with it. This is important no matter what the plan is that you are wanting to stick with and complete.
You got this!
Just keep your eye on the prize and stay motivated and energized so that you can complete it.
More Productivity Ideas
How to Put an End to Procrastination