An often surprising tension exists between the intentions people have and their ability to execute on them. Surprising as the feeling resembles one of a paradox.

Listening to wise words, appreciating good ideas, feeling inspired by vision leads to a desire to live up to these ideas. It often comes along with joy and excitement.

Executing on these ideas seem to happen in a different world. These are moments when others call in for help when the person is tired, comes back from a long working day, or has some urgencies to deal with. It often leads to a sense of frustration and shame.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of not being good enough in these moments. But that neither serves the person nor the goal.

Once the intention is set, two things will be important.

One is to acknowledge the paradox and its normality. It means to know that there are moments in which execution won’t happen. Just as much as there are moments in which it can happen.

The other is to determine a proactive way to execute one’s assertions instead of relying on one’s ability to react.