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Why You Struggle to Follow Through (Thinkers vs. Doers)

Writer's picture: Angela van den HeuvelAngela van den Heuvel

Why You Struggle to Follow Through (Thinkers vs. Doers)

Following through on tasks and goals can be challenging, and this difficulty often boils down to the difference between thinkers and doers—those who are prompted to action by external circumstances versus those who are intrinsically motivated to take action. Understanding these dynamics can help you recognize your tendencies and develop strategies to improve your follow-through.


1. Thinkers vs. Doers: Action and Motivation


The video explores the key difference between people who wait for external circumstances to prompt them into action and those who take initiative based on internal drives. Thinkers often find themselves stuck in contemplation, planning, or analyzing, and they act only when a situation demands it—such as when faced with a deadline or an urgent task. In contrast, doers are those who are intrinsically motivated; they don’t need an external push to get started and are more likely to follow through on their commitments.


2. Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation


The concepts of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation are crucial in understanding why some people struggle to follow through. Extrinsic motivation refers to taking action because of external factors, like rewards or deadlines. For instance, you might only complete a project because your boss expects it by the end of the week. On the other hand, intrinsic motivation comes from within; it’s driven by personal interest or passion. People who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to take consistent action and follow through because they find satisfaction in the process itself, not just the outcome.


3. Maintained Situational Interest


One of the ideas discussed in the video is "maintained situational interest." This concept refers to a sustained interest that is triggered by consistent exposure to a subject or activity. It’s the idea that even if you start out only mildly interested in something, repeated engagement with it can help maintain your interest and, over time, deepen it. This maintained situational interest can be a bridge between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, helping individuals move from acting only when necessary to finding joy and purpose in the activity itself.


4. Research on Developing Intrinsic Motivation


Research supports the idea that continued exposure to a subject or activity can help individuals move beyond initial situational interest and develop deeper, intrinsic motivation. For example, if you’re someone who struggles to stick with a new habit, like exercising, consistently exposing yourself to the activity—whether through routine, community involvement, or learning more about it—can gradually shift your motivation from external to internal. Over time, what started as something you "had to do" can become something you "want to do" because it brings you satisfaction and fulfillment.


5. Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation


The video encourages viewers to recognize their own tendencies—whether they’re more of a thinker or a doer—and to consider strategies to cultivate intrinsic motivation. This can involve setting up routines that keep you engaged with your interests, seeking out information or communities that deepen your understanding, and being mindful of the moments when you feel a genuine connection to the task. By consistently engaging with your interests, you can shift from being someone who needs an external push to someone who is driven by internal motivation and is more likely to follow through on their goals.

In conclusion, if you struggle to follow through, it might be worth examining whether you’re relying too much on external motivators and how you can cultivate intrinsic motivation. By understanding the dynamics of thinkers versus doers, and leveraging strategies to deepen your connection to your interests, you can improve your ability to take consistent action and achieve your goals.

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