You Know What to Do… So Why Aren’t You Doing It?

Simple strategies to help you turn knowledge into action, five minutes at a time.

Over the weekend, I spoke with a member who shared a familiar struggle: “I know exactly what I need to do, I just need to buckle down and start doing it.” They had their goals mapped out, knew the steps to take, had the all the right tools and skills, but still felt stuck. This gap between knowing and doing is something we all face at times. And yet, the answer to moving forward often lies in one small shift—taking that first action, no matter how small.

The Problem: Why We Struggle to Take Action
Even with a solid plan, translating what we know into consistent action can be surprisingly challenging. Often, it’s not about lacking motivation but rather facing hidden obstacles like:

1. Overwhelm from Big Goals – Large goals can feel daunting, making it hard to get started.
2. Competing Priorities – Juggling work, personal life, and other commitments can leave little time for new actions.
3. Fear of Imperfection – Worrying about doing things “right” can hold us back from just starting.

Practical Steps to Take Action—Even Just Five Minutes at a Time
If taking action feels difficult, try these steps to make it easier and more manageable. Remember, even five minutes a day can make a difference:

4. Break It Down into “5-Minute Tasks”
   Start by identifying a tiny step you can do in just 5 minutes. If your goal is to be more active, take a quick 5-minute walk. If it’s learning something new, spend five minutes reading or practicing. Even on your busiest day, I bet you can find 5 minutes. Once you take that first action, you’re building momentum to keep going.
5. Create Accountability
   Tell a friend or family member what you plan to do. Knowing someone else is aware of your goal can provide that extra push to take action and follow through, even on the days you might otherwise skip it.
6. Schedule It—Like Any Other Appointment
   Put your 5-minute task on your calendar, just like a meeting or commitment. Blocking out even a few minutes for a specific action creates a dedicated space for it in your day, reinforcing the habit. Bonus: find something you do daily and add this task before or after it.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
   Don’t expect perfection at the beginning. Even doing something twice your first week is more than the week before! Recognize and celebrate each step forward, no matter how small. Each action you complete brings you closer to your goal, so give yourself credit. Celebrating small wins helps you stay motivated to keep taking action.

Knowing what to do is just the first step—taking action is what creates change. By starting with small, manageable tasks, building accountability, and committing to even five minutes a day, you’ll see progress that feels attainable and motivating. Every action you take is a step toward your goal, so start small, celebrate the effort, and keep moving forward.

If you’re ready to take your goals to the next level and want extra support, book a free consultation with us here. We’ll help you develop an action plan that’s both motivating and sustainable!