Does it really matter if you wanted or really intended to do something, but ended up just not doing it? As far as the rest of the world is concerned, there’s probably absolutely no difference. In fact, many times it’s better to just admit to yourself that you’re not going to do it and get the weight off your shoulders. Here’s an example of something that happened to me.
I remember I was more than halfway through my semester, and my professor calls me over and says, “it’s near the end of the term and you have not handed ANYTHING in.” I was shocked that time went by as quick as it did, and looking back, I was intending on doing all the missed assignments since the first week of the semester. I attended every class, paid attention, did most of the work (all except missed papers), but deep down I just kept putting the task off.
The intention to make up the work was strong at first, but began fading from my memory the longer I put it off. Eventually, though I still definitely intended on doing the work the next day, the thought would remain in my in my “mental RAM,” subconsciously making me anxious and depressed for months. I couldn’t enjoy my free time because deep down I knew that I had work to finish.
In hindsight, had I dropped the class early on, I wouldn’t have had the weight on my shoulders, and could have probably been more productive in other things I was doing, and if not, then the stress-relief alone would have been a significant pro in itself.
The point of this fairy tale? Just wanting something doesn’t matter. You have to actually do it. I know too many people other than me who have this evil habit. It’s actually quite common, but most people just don’t notice they do it. Every time you put something off, it’s put into a queue, and nearly everything in that queue will NEVER get done.
Sometimes it’s best to stop things from dragging on aimlessly and to liberate yourself. Say “fuck it. This is very important and beneficial, but I’m just never gonna do it,” and take it off your todo list.