🧠 You’re Not Lazy, You’re Ignoring the Prerequisites

Day 19 of 30 — Why Most Goals Fail Before They Even Begin

Author

Selim Uysal
June 19, 2025

Hi friend,

I’m writing this because I’m struggling with it too.

Lately, I’ve noticed a frustrating pattern in my own life, and maybe you’ll recognize it in yours too:

I say I want something


But I skip the exact steps required to actually get there.

It’s not laziness.

It’s just
 misaligned energy.

Here’s what that looks like:

1. You want more clients.

But you avoid outreach.

Instead, you:

  • Tweak your website

  • Post on LinkedIn

  • Research endlessly

It all feels productive.

But you’re not doing the one thing that actually moves the needle:

→ Talking to potential clients.

That’s the prerequisite.

2. You want to wake up earlier.

But you stay up late, scroll your phone, or hit snooze.

You say your goal is a 6 AM start


But your actions don’t support it.

→ The real prerequisite is sleeping by 10, and having a reason to get out of bed.

3. You want to finally write that article, book, or thesis.

But you wait for the “perfect time.”

You read more books, take more notes, and tidy your desk.

But the real prerequisite?

→ Sitting down and writing 100 imperfect words today.

💡 Here’s the pattern:

You’re focused on the outcome, not the input.

And when the input isn’t happening, the output doesn’t magically appear.

🧠 Steven Pressfield, in The War of Art, calls this invisible force “Resistance”; the emotional pull toward distraction right before you do the real work.

“The amateur tweets. The pro shows up and writes.”

And research by behavioral scientist Dr. Piers Steel, in The Procrastination Equation, confirms:

“Procrastination is more about managing emotion than managing time.”

In other words, you want to succeed.

You’re just avoiding the uncomfortable prerequisite.

✅ So what’s the fix?

  • Name the prerequisites

     → What small, concrete action will actually move you forward?

  • Set up accountability

     → Coach, partner, or public deadline.

  • Join a group

     → Like running with a buddy, building habits is easier together.

🧭 Today’s reminder:

If you’re stuck, don’t ask, “Why isn’t it working?”

Ask:

“Have I done what’s required?”

If not, that’s your next move.

—

💬 What’s your big goal, and what prerequisite have you been avoiding?

Comment or DM me “clarity” and I’ll help you break it down in 15 minutes.

—

Onward,

Selim