What People Ought to Do vs. What People Tell You They Will Do

Attribute	What People Ought to Do	What People Tell You They Will Do
Responsibility	Act in accordance with moral principles and societal norms	Promise to fulfill obligations and commitments
Honesty	Be truthful and transparent in actions and communication	Assure others of their sincerity and trustworthiness
Integrity	Consistently adhere to ethical values and beliefs	Claim to uphold moral standards and values
Accountability	Accept responsibility for one's actions and decisions	Commit to being answerable for their behavior and choices

Introduction

When it comes to human behavior, there is often a disconnect between what people ought to do and what they actually end up doing. This divide becomes even more apparent when comparing what people tell you they will do versus what they actually follow through on. In this article, we will explore the attributes of these two concepts and delve into why there is often a gap between intention and action.

What People Ought to Do

What people ought to do is often based on societal norms, moral values, and personal beliefs. These are the actions that are considered right or proper in a given situation. For example, someone ought to treat others with respect, be honest, and fulfill their responsibilities. These expectations are often ingrained in us from a young age through teachings from parents, teachers, and other authority figures.

However, what people ought to do is not always what they end up doing. Despite knowing the right course of action, individuals may still choose to act in a way that goes against these norms. This can be due to a variety of factors such as peer pressure, personal desires, or simply a lack of self-discipline.

What People Tell You They Will Do

When asked about their intentions, people often have a tendency to overestimate their willingness to follow through on a particular action. This can be seen in various aspects of life, from making plans with friends to committing to a new diet or exercise routine. People may genuinely believe that they will do something, but when it comes down to it, they may not actually take the necessary steps to make it happen.

There are several reasons why there is a gap between what people tell you they will do and what they actually end up doing. One common explanation is the phenomenon known as the planning fallacy, where individuals underestimate the time, costs, and risks involved in completing a task. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and ultimately, failure to follow through on commitments.

Factors Influencing Behavior

Both what people ought to do and what they tell you they will do are influenced by a variety of factors. These can include personal values, past experiences, social pressures, and cognitive biases. For example, someone may believe that they ought to exercise regularly for their health, but when faced with the choice of going to the gym or staying home to watch TV, they may choose the latter due to a lack of motivation or perceived barriers.

Similarly, when asked about their plans to start a new business, an individual may confidently state that they will do so within the next year. However, without a concrete plan, resources, or support system in place, this goal may remain nothing more than a pipe dream. In both cases, the gap between intention and action can be attributed to a lack of alignment between what people believe they should do and what they are actually willing to do.

Overcoming the Intention-Action Gap

So how can individuals bridge the divide between what they ought to do and what they tell you they will do? One approach is to set realistic goals and create a plan of action to achieve them. By breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, individuals can increase their chances of following through on their commitments.

Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or a mentor can help hold individuals accountable and provide encouragement along the way. By surrounding themselves with positive influences and setting up a system of rewards for reaching milestones, individuals can increase their motivation and likelihood of success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attributes of what people ought to do and what people tell you they will do highlight the complex nature of human behavior. While individuals may have good intentions and beliefs about the right course of action, these may not always align with their actual behavior. By understanding the factors that influence behavior and taking proactive steps to bridge the intention-action gap, individuals can increase their chances of achieving their goals and living a more fulfilling life.