Many things in our lives take longer than we think they do…
Which can set us up for disappointment and to give up when we’ve only just got started. There’s even a name for this: psychologists call it the planning fallacy, our tendency to underestimate how long things will take, even when experience tells us otherwise.
Where This Shows Up in Everyday Life
A few examples that come to mind are:
- Getting into good physical shape and prioritising our health.
- Overcoming unhelpful habits, such as aimlessly scrolling social media.
- Work-related tasks and projects.
All of these take longer than a few weeks, and maybe even months, to improve or complete.
And some of them will never be “completed”.
Some Goals Are Never “Completed”, And That’s Okay
Take prioritising our health, for example…
This is something that doesn’t have an end destination, because it’s a lifestyle and a choice we make to better ourselves and our lives. (It’s exactly why I put together a free guide to the 6 foundations of holistic health, a simple starting point for the long game rather than a quick fix.)
See Every Goal as a Journey
The key I’ve realised to all of this is to approach it, and life, with a long-term mindset, and to see each new goal, intention, project, and anything we embark on as a journey. This ties closely to rethinking how we set our goals in the first place.
Each journey is an opportunity for self-discovery, to see what we can learn about the world and ourselves, and how we can grow. This is the most important and exciting thing!
So the next time you start something new, maybe a new project or goal, remember this insight. View it as an opportunity for self-discovery, and focus on making a little bit of progress every day, which will go a long way!
Key Takeaways on Everything Takes Longer Than You Think
- The Planning Fallacy: You naturally underestimate how long health goals or work projects take, which leads to early frustration if you expect quick results.
- Continuous Choices: Prioritising your health has no final finish line because it is a long-term lifestyle choice rather than a quick fix.
- Daily Progress: Focus on making small gains every day, allowing yourself to learn and grow along the path rather than rushing to an end goal.
FAQs for Everything Takes Longer Than You Think | Luke Burrows
Why do your personal goals usually take longer than expected?
Psychologists call this the planning fallacy. You naturally tend to underestimate the time needed to change habits, build fitness, or finish projects, even when experience shows otherwise.
Is health a goal you can finally complete?
No, health is not something you finish. It is an ongoing lifestyle choice that requires regular attention rather than a temporary fix with an end destination.
How can you stay motivated when progress feels slow?
Shift your perspective from quick wins to long-term growth. Celebrate small daily improvements and treat every new effort as a chance to discover more about yourself.
What is a practical way to start building better health habits?
Start with simple, foundational habits that fit your routine. Focus on clear, straightforward changes that support your well-being for the long haul.
