Renowned philosopher Tomski once said, “Don’t talk about the work, do the work.” Simple yet profound, this quote carries immense psychological weigh. Let’s delve deeper into how we can integrate it’s wisdom into our daily change journey.

The Paradox of Talking Vs. Doing

Tomski’s quote underscores an essential paradox in human behaviour – the discrepancy between talking about doing something and actually doing it. While discussing plans and intentions can create a sense of satisfaction, it’s only through action that we truly make progress. Psychologists call this the ‘substitution effect,’ where the act of talking about our goals can trick our brains into thinking we’ve already achieved them, thus reducing our motivation to act.

The Substitution Effect in Action

A good example of the substitution effect might be, you have a goal to write a novel. You spend hours discussing your plans, the plot, characters, and theme with your friends and family. You even share your plans on social media and receive lots of positive feedback and encouragement. This discussion gives you a feeling of satisfaction and progress, as if you’ve made some headway toward writing your novel.

The Comedown After The Talking

However, despite all the talking about writing, you haven’t actually written anything yet. You might find that after all the discussion, your motivation to sit down and write has decreased. You’ve already experienced a form of reward through the positive feedback from your social circle, so your brain might trick you into thinking you’ve accomplished something substantial towards your goal.

This is the substitution effect in action. It’s crucial to be aware of this effect and remember that talking about your goals is no substitute for actually working towards them. Also remember ideas are often easy, for example i might think that I will clone the Uber App and make millions. The reality is the idea might seem simple but the practice of it would be incredibly complex.

Fuelling Progress through Action

The other part of the equation is progress. Without action, progress remains a mere concept. The act of ‘doing the work’ not only pushes us towards our goals but also triggers a positive feedback loop. Each small achievement, each task accomplished, strengthens our self-efficacy and fuels our motivation to continue. This aligns with the psychological ‘progress principle,’ which asserts that noticeable progress, even minor, can significantly boost our intrinsic motivation. Aslo working because we value the task can be far more motivating than when we are constantly seeking the approval of others.

It’s essential to strike a balance between discussing your plans and taking action. Let’s explore five situations where talking about what you plan to do is beneficial and five where it might be more advantageous to lean towards action.

When Talking About What You Plan to Do is Needed:

• Seeking Advice or Feedback: If you’re uncertain about how to proceed, discussing your plans can help you gain valuable insights and feedback.
• Collaborative Projects: When your work involves others, it’s important to communicate your plans to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Setting Expectations: In personal or professional relationships, discussing your intentions can help manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
• Getting Support: If you need resources or assistance to achieve your goal, discussing your plans can help mobilise the support you need.
• Motivation Boost: Sharing your goals publicly can create a sense of accountability, which can motivate you to follow through on your plans.

When You Shouldn’t Talk About What You Plan to Do:

• Procrastination: If discussing your plans becomes a way to delay taking action, it’s better to dive into the task.
• Facing the Substitution Effect: As mentioned earlier, if talking about your goal gives you a false sense of accomplishment, it’s time to stop talking and start doing.
• Dealing with Competitive Situations: In a competitive environment, it might be wiser to keep your plans to yourself until you’ve made significant progress or achieved your goal.
• Working on Personal Growth: Personal growth often comes from self-reflection and personal action rather than external discussion.
• Sensitivity: If your plans involve sensitive or confidential matters, it’s generally best to keep them private until you’ve taken the necessary steps.

Remember, there’s no hard-and-fast rule about when to talk or when to act. The key is to maintain a balance and make the right choice based on your specific situation and needs.

Applying Tomski’s Wisdom in Breaking My Addictions

How, then, can we apply this wisdom to our daily change journey? Start by turning words into actions. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and take the first step, no matter how small. Remember, it’s not about grand gestures but consistent action, such as this site consistently producing 3 articles a day.

Secondly, celebrate your progress. Each step forward, however insignificant it may seem, is a testament to your effort and dedication. Reflect on your achievements, learn from your challenges, and use them as fuel for your continued journey. If there are problems see them as on the way to where you want to go rather than in the way. If you acknowledge solving these problems is just part of the journey you will be less likely to resent and avoid them.

Breaking My Addictions Summary

Tomski’s wisdom “Don’t talk about the work, do the work” serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of action in our journey of personal growth and change. So, let’s remember it’s often through consistent action, and not instead just chatting about our lofty goals, that helps us grow and transform.