It’s just the way our brain works.
We’ve all been there—you tell yourself you’ll do something. You really want to get it done, and you even spend time thinking and planning how to make it happen. But for whatever reason, despite your best intentions, it never quite gets finished.
“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19)
There’s always that one task or goal lingering in the back of your mind, something you’re keen to achieve. But as time goes on and you don’t make any real progress, the experience changes. What started out as an exciting, motivating goal slowly turns into a source of frustration or guilt. It stops being a positive opportunity and instead becomes a weight on your mind.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)
This pattern isn’t unique to you—it’s simply how our brains are wired. Often, the gap between intention and action comes down to the way we process and prioritise tasks. Our minds are great at dreaming and planning, but turning those ideas into real, consistent action means overcoming various psychological hurdles.
“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) So, what can we do next?
The first step is breaking the cycle of overthinking. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or a burst of motivation, commit to small, manageable actions. Start by setting micro-goals—tiny steps that only take a few minutes to complete. This reduces the pressure of trying to tackle the whole task at once, and each small achievement builds momentum.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Another effective approach is accountability. Share your goal with a friend, a colleague, or even set reminders for yourself. Knowing that someone or something is checking in on your progress can give you the extra push to follow through.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Finally, be kind to yourself. Understand that not every day will be productive, and that’s alright. What matters is consistency over time, not getting it perfect in the moment. Remember, the brain often resists change, but with patience and steady, small steps, you can train yourself to take action, even when the task feels overwhelming.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
By adjusting how we approach these challenges, we can gradually shift from the negative experience of “not getting it done” to a positive journey of slow but steady progress.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”(Proverbs 21:5)
-Simon Edwards (CEO)
