# It’s not time to make a list of resolutions. It’s time to make a list of actions.

**URL:** https://forum.beeminder.com/t/it-s-not-time-to-make-a-list-of-resolutions-it-s-time-to-make-a-list-of-actions/4656
**Category:** Akrasia
**Created:** [December 21, 2018, 6:07pm UTC](https://forum.beeminder.com/t/it-s-not-time-to-make-a-list-of-resolutions-it-s-time-to-make-a-list-of-actions/4656 "2018-12-21T18:07:59Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![apolyton](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.beeminder.com/apolyton/32/1965_2.png) [@apolyton](https://forum.beeminder.com/u/apolyton)
#### Post date: [December 21, 2018, 6:07pm UTC](https://forum.beeminder.com/t/it-s-not-time-to-make-a-list-of-resolutions-it-s-time-to-make-a-list-of-actions/4656/1 "2018-12-21T18:07:59Z")

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From my favorite author on procrastination 🙂

_To overcome the inertia of “not doing,” I emphasize the focus on the next action. What is the next **ACTION** I need to take? Once I identify the action, it’s not about trying to do that, it’s about doing it._  
_To be successful at this, I need to keep the action as concrete as possible. Our minds seem to tag tasks that are framed concretely (as opposed to abstractly) as something that needs to be done today, urgent even. As well, when a task is conceptualized concretely and as a next small step, the threshold for engagement is low. It’s easier to move forward. Of course, any movement forward on a goal through this action fuels well-being. Motivation follows._

> **[Trying Versus Doing](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-delay/201812/trying-versus-doing)**
>
> Identifying the next action is key to overcoming the inertia of procrastination.