We Do It Because There Are Consequences

A major emphasis in self-improvement for many people is to be more self-disciplined and do what they say they will do. For whatever reason, when it comes to getting something done for work or another person, it’s no problem. You’re an action-taking machine! But when it comes to doing something for yourself, it’s different. And there’s an explanation for it - it all comes down to consequences.

When someone else expects something of us, we get it done because we don’t want to let someone else down. It’s the pain of damaging a relationship, being unreliable, or leaving someone worse off that motivates us to act. The consequences are significant and public. But when you don’t follow through on doing the thing you tell yourself you’re going to do privately, the consequences aren’t the same. The mind can easily deflect and rationalize to steer you off course, failing to step up doesn’t sting as much, and not meeting expectations becomes more acceptable.

So if you want to get more consistent in your health and wellness, and more serious about your goals and dreams, you need to add consequences. When you share publicly that you’re going to the gym in the morning, online or to a friend, you’re so much more likely to do it. Why? Because now there are consequences to not doing it. When you tell your family you’ll stop working by 5pm and help prepare dinner, even though that’s been your private intention for weeks, you’re more likely to put work away and transition to being with your family on time.

Humanity is motivated by two things - the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. When you’re playing a game privately, the pain isn’t so severe. When you’re playing a game publicly and people know what’s on the line, you feel it. 

This is why accountability is one of the greatest drivers of performance. Most people know exactly what to do, they understand what's healthy and what's not, the problem is people just can’t bring themselves to doing it. But accountability adds a layer of awareness and public expectation that transforms the way you step up to the commitment.

So for you, as you’re thinking about that one thing you want to be more consistent with and more disciplined toward, brainstorm what you can do to create consequences for not doing it. It’ll change everything.