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🛤 “Decide & Act: The Struggle Between Choosing and Doing”

Understanding the Psychology Behind Inaction and How to Overcome It

By Ahmet Kıvanç DemirkıranPublished 10 months ago • 3 min read
“Every decision leads somewhere—will you step forward into growth or stay trapped in hesitation?”

📌 The Gap Between Decision and Action

You’ve made up your mind.

You know what you need to do.

You want to do it.

And yet—you don’t.

📌 Why is it so easy to decide but so hard to take action?

• You plan to start a business but never launch it.

• You decide to get in shape but keep postponing workouts.

• You want to change your life but stay stuck in the same routines.

🚀 The truth? Making a decision is just step one—taking action is where most people fail.

💡 This article will explore:

✔ The psychology behind why we struggle to take action.

✔ The hidden fears that keep us stuck.

✔ How to break free from hesitation and start moving forward.

⸝

1️⃣ Why Taking Action Is So Hard (Even When We Know What to Do)

📌 Making a decision and acting on it are two different things.

🔹 1. The Brain Prefers Certainty Over Progress

• Your brain is wired for safety, not success.

• When faced with uncertainty, the brain sends fear signals to keep you in your comfort zone.

🚀 Example:

• You decide to start a YouTube channel.

• Instead of recording your first video, you spend weeks researching cameras.

• Why? Your brain tricks you into delaying action by focusing on unnecessary details.

🔥 The truth? The longer you hesitate, the harder it becomes to start.

⸝

🔹 2. The Fear of Failure (What If It Doesn’t Work?)

• Taking action means risking failure.

• Your mind plays out worst-case scenarios: “What if I fail? What if I look stupid?”

🚀 Example:

• You decide to apply for a dream job.

• Instead of sending your résumé, you tell yourself “I’ll apply next week” (which turns into next month).

🔥 The truth? Fear of failure disguises itself as “waiting for the right time.”

⸝

🔹 3. The Paralysis of Too Many Choices

• When faced with too many options, the brain struggles to decide what to do first.

• Instead of acting, we overthink, analyze, and freeze.

🚀 Example:

• You want to get fit but get stuck deciding:

• Should I do cardio or weights?

• Join a gym or work out at home?

• Try yoga, HIIT, or running?

• You spend weeks researching, but never start.

🔥 The truth? Too many choices lead to inaction—simplify and start.

⸝

2️⃣ The Psychology of Action: How to Break Free from Hesitation

📌 If you struggle to take action, you’re not lazy—you’re stuck in mental loops.

✅ 1. Use the 3-Second Rule (Beat Overthinking)

✔ Instead of: “I’ll start later.”

✔ Think: “I’ll act before my brain stops me.”

🚀 Try This:

• Count down from 3—then take action immediately.

• Example: 3…2…1… Send the email.

• Act before fear has time to talk you out of it.

🔥 The truth? The faster you move, the less fear can control you.

⸝

✅ 2. Reduce the Decision Load

✔ Instead of: “I need the perfect plan.”

✔ Think: “I’ll start with a simple step.”

🚀 Try This:

• Want to start exercising? Do 5 push-ups right now.

• Want to write a book? Write one sentence today.

• Want to learn a skill? Watch a 5-minute tutorial.

🔥 The truth? The smaller the action, the easier it is to start.

⸝

✅ 3. Commit to 5 Minutes (Momentum Hack)

✔ Instead of: “I don’t have time to start this now.”

✔ Think: “I’ll just do 5 minutes.”

🚀 Try This:

• If you don’t feel like doing something, commit to 5 minutes.

• Once you start, momentum makes it easier to keep going.

🔥 The truth? Getting started is the hardest part—momentum does the rest.

⸝

✅ 4. Make Action the Default (Remove Friction)

✔ Instead of: “I’ll do it when I feel ready.”

✔ Think: “I’ll make it automatic.”

🚀 Try This:

• Keep your gym shoes by the door so you go without thinking.

• Set a 10-minute timer for deep work instead of waiting for inspiration.

• Use a to-do list with deadlines to keep yourself accountable.

🔥 The truth? Reduce the effort it takes to start, and action becomes easy.

⸝

3️⃣ What Happens When You Start Taking Action?

📌 When you push past hesitation, everything changes.

🔹 1. Your Confidence Grows

• Every action you take proves you’re capable.

• Confidence isn’t built by thinking—it’s built by doing.

🔹 2. Fear Loses Its Power

• The more you act, the less fear holds you back.

• Action rewires your brain to associate challenges with progress.

🔹 3. You Build Real Momentum

• One small step leads to another, and suddenly—you’re unstoppable.

🚀 Final Thought:

• The difference between dreamers and achievers isn’t intelligence or talent.

• It’s the ability to take action—especially when it’s uncomfortable.

🔥 The truth? Stop waiting. Start moving. Your future depends on it.

advicebodyfact or fictionfitnesshow tohumanitylifestyleself carespiritualitywellnessscience

About the Creator

Ahmet KĹvanç DemirkĹran

As a technology and innovation enthusiast, I aim to bring fresh perspectives to my readers, drawing from my experience.

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Comments (2)

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  • Alex H Mittelman 10 months ago

    It’s always a struggle to chose! Great work!

  • Marie381Uk 10 months ago

    That’s me a what if it doesn’t person lol brilliant story ♦️♦️♦️

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