What Are You Waiting For... A Wake-Up Call? Why?

Let’s be honest.

• Are you waiting for a dentist appointment to start flossing?
• Are you waiting until guests are on the way to clean the house?
• Are you waiting for a health scare to start eating better or to move more and get fit?

Most of us don’t act until we’re forced to.

Until the consequences become real.

Until the stakes get urgent.

There’s science behind this.

One of my favorite studies, that I call the “Stairs vs Escalator” study. A person watched more than 27,000 people choose between taking the stairs or the escalator.

Only 1% chose the stairs.

When asked why, that 1% said either they, or someone in their family, had recently had a health scare.

The other 99% said, “The escalator was easier.”

Let that sink in.

Only when the pain or threat became personal, did people choose the harder, better thing.

So how can you get yourself to take the stairs before the scare? (Not once, but as a habitual practice.)

You create our own urgency.

You imagine the consequence of waiting.

You picture the result you want.

You hold yourself accountable.

You don't wait for others to tell you what to do.

You don't wait for others to tell you when to do it.

You don't wait for other to tell you how to do it.

You act now, before it becomes a crisis.

"Don't Wait."

I love this saying:
“Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life.”
– Jerzy Gregorek

Most people default to comfort.
But YOU?

Several years ago I often worked remotely from a nearby cafe, The Colada Shop.

A young designer, Davin, would often be there too. He was drinking his coffee and drawing in his sketch book. He told me that he required himself to draw clothing designs EVERY Day, for a brand he was creating and planning to launch soon, "Diet Starts Monday".

The premise of his brand's logo, is that the "Diet, Will Start Monday", but "Monday, Never Comes".

He has since moved to Los Angeles and his brand became a reality. It continues to thrive. But although his brand is called "Diet Starts Monday", his work ethic is the antithesis. His personal work ethic, diligence, and personal accountability are the reasons that his dream of starting his own brand came to fruition.

This is a great example to help you realize, that you can build something, accomplish something, or "do" something, before you’re forced to, it is up to you. 

PODCAST:

On this week's episode of "The Most People Don’t…But YOU Do!" podcast, I interviewed Gavin Mlinar, CEO of Blacklisted Consulting and Author of "Yes, Your Way to Success!  Why Don't You?".

Gavin is a perfect example of someone who doesn’t wait.

When he left corporate America to start his own company, he only had three months of a financial runway, and no guarantees.

But he acted anyway.

Not because it was easy.

But because "not acting" was riskier.

He told me:

“There’s no perfect timing. There’s just research, readiness, and the willingness to decide.”

His advice?

Do the research.
Ask for help.
Take the first step.
And "Don’t Wait For Perfect, Wait For Nothing."

The Satisfaction Trap

Here's another reason we don’t act.

A study from NYU shows that just saying we’ll do something gives us the same feeling of accomplishment as actually doing it.

Telling people “I’m going to start writing my book” feels great! Even if I don’t write it.

Saying “I’m thinking about getting healthier or more fit” gives  the illusion of progress.

But nothing changes.

"Change Nothing & Nothing Changes."

When you say you are "going to do something" you have satisfied the brain, but you have not satisfied your body, your business, or your behavior.

What You Can "Do" This Week:

1. Identify one hard thing you know you should do, but haven’t.
2. Literally write the consequence of NOT doing it.
3. Now write "The BEST outcome if you start today".
4. Decide what will make ensure that you will begin. (Call a friend. Block 30 minutes. Buy the shoes. Set the reminder.)
5. "Do It", not once, but daily or as often as necessary. Hold yourself accountable until you accomplish your goal. "Keep Doing It" and enhance your work and personal life daily.

Then remind yourself: 

Most people don’t take the stairs.
But you do. (or can do!)

You don’t need a crisis to act.

You need a reason or even a gentle consequence of your own making.

If you choose the hard things now,
your life will get easier or better sooner.

Step up daily. Do hard things. Build habits, stay accountable, and shape a better future, one small choice at a time. The stairs are yours to climb.

With appreciation,
Bart

For More Inspiration

🎧 Listen to this week’s podcast episode #191:

"Don't Wait to Be Ready, Decide to Begin."

Gavin Mliner, CEO and Founding Member of Blacklisted Consulting and Author of "Yes, Your Way to Success".  

Every week, I have conversations with leaders who share powerful insights to help you Be Better, Feel Better, Do Better, and Live with Greater Impact.

🔹 Find all my podcasts on Apple, Spotify at mostpeopledont.com.

Don't miss out on the chance to be inspired and empowered!

It's another great one! 🎧