Day 166: The Law of Diminishing Intent

Have you heard of the Law of Diminishing Intent?  The Law of Diminishing Intent says that when you have the desire to do something, that desire will decrease over time until you no longer intend to do it.  In other words, the longer you procrastinate doing something that you intend to do, the less likely you are to do it.  A great example from my life comes from the world of reading.  I am always hearing about great books I want to read.  I think to myself, "Man, I would love to read that book."  I have this intense desire to read it, sometimes to the point where I will even see if the bookstore has it.  I decide that on the weekend I will go buy it and start reading it.  The weekend comes, and I forget to get it.  Then next weekend comes, and now I am not sure I have time to read it.  The next weekend comes, and I don't even remember the name of it.  That, my friends, is the Law of Diminishing Intent in action.

Part of the reason I have put this blog together has been to avoid being victimized by the Law of Diminishing Intent.  I do this by making myself accountable to other people and opening myself up.  These two things, accountability and honesty, have helped me to stay on top of my biggest (but unfortunately not my only) problem in life.  As I have found success, however, my purpose in writing the blog has changed a bit.  In fact, the other day as I was writing, I thought, you know, I hope that this blog helps inspire other people to make changes in their lives, because I have been so happy about the changes that have happened in my life.  (Folks, I can't tell you how great it is to have someone tell you that you don't look that great because your clothes are way to big.  It is awesome!)

The big question is whether those two or three of you who actually read this blog are inspired by what I write.  I am not fishing for compliments here, I am really serious.  I hope that something that I write will help you to become just a bit better.  So, today, I am going to give you the key to overcoming the Law of Diminishing Intent.  It is kind of obvious, but it isn't easy.  The key to overcoming the Law of Diminishing Intent is ACTION.  You have to act to overcome diminishing intent. 

I know that sounds a little stupid, but think about it.  How many times have you said you would start a diet on Monday?  This is a running joke in my family.  My mother, my sister, me--none of us start a diet on any day other than Monday.  Why?  Because then we don't have to act until another day.  It is just "too hard" to start on a Thursday, with the weekend so close.  Plus, Monday is the beginning of the week.  Friends, this is just an excuse.  It is an excuse to put off till tomorrow what should be done today.  Let me tell you right now, all that has done in my life is made me fatter (well, except for the lifestyle, which I naturally started on a Monday).

So, if you are waning from the lifestyle (like I have been for the last several months), or if you are thinking about really making an effort to change, I say there is no time like present.  Do it and do it now!  If you can't start right this second, start planning it right this second.  Believe me, you will be happier if you do it now, rather than waiting six months and doing it when you weigh five pounds more.

As always, if you have questions or issues, feel free to ask.  I am sure I have gone through just about every phase of withdrawal and pain associated with breaking an addition.  I may not have done it well, and I am still struggling, but I am happy to help if I can.