Some of us are wired to get things done right away. We would never leave our beds unmade. A snow day? That’s a perfect opportunity to catch up on work, get ahead on projects, or organize the house. Bills? We pay them as soon as they arrive—no way would we risk a late fee! If we make a plan to exercise, we follow through, whether it’s a daily walk, a yoga class, or hitting the gym. We’re always mindful of how much we eat, sticking to routines that keep us feeling in control.

And then there are those of us who are wired a little differently. Our beds remain unmade—why bother when we’re just getting back into it later? A snow day means sleeping in, watching a movie, or curling up with a good book. We’re grateful for automatic bill payments, sparing us the stress of those dreaded final notice letters threatening to cut off our electricity. When it comes to exercise and weight loss, we find ourselves searching for magic—the perfect trick, the quick fix, the inspiration that will finally make everything click.

Back when I was in school, I remember waiting until the absolute last minute to study for certain exams. I haven’t been in school for a very long time, but my procrastinator tendencies are still strong; I am usually getting ready for Shabbos right until I need to light candles! Of course, some of us do our best work under intense pressure. Stress makes some people remarkably efficient—I call them professional procrastinators. The work gets done, but there’s often a price to pay: exhaustion, anxiety and sometimes a final product that may not be quite as good as it could have been.

Do you ever think about your overstuffed closet filled with clothes you haven’t worn in a decade? The academic books from college and graduate school gathering dust? The platters you never use? We tell ourselves, This summer, I’m going to clean out the garage, the attic, the basement… but summer comes and goes, and it never happens. Maybe decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about memories, emotions and identity. We want to let go, but something keeps us from taking action.

One of the greatest challenges for parents of children with disabilities is completing the endless paperwork required to secure services and benefits. Over the years, I’ve met many parents who haven’t obtained the government funds their child is entitled to, not because they don’t care, but because they’re completely overwhelmed. The sheer volume of forms, coupled with the emotional toll of enumerating their child’s needs in black and white, can feel paralyzing.

But this problem isn’t limited to disability paperwork. I’ve seen it manifested in the broader Jewish community, where I’ve led workshops urging every adult over 18 to fill out a healthcare proxy. Everyone agrees it’s important. Yet the forms sit on desks, unfinished. Why? Because making these decisions—facing the reality of our own mortality—feels daunting.

When it comes to our overall health, we know what we should do. Eat well. Exercise regularly. Get enough sleep. If I asked a hundred people over 50 about their biggest fears of aging, I know what they would say: Losing independence, becoming a burden to their children, and, above all, cognitive decline.

Research is clear: Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia. A combination of aerobic, strength and balance exercises is most effective. Even if we start later in life, movement provides significant benefits for brain health. And yet, despite knowing this, so many of us struggle to make that 30-minute walk part of our daily routine. We continue to grab convenience foods instead of whole, nourishing meals. We stay up too late checking messages or following social media.

The real question is: Can we change? No matter which type of person you are—the doer or the dreamer, the planner or the procrastinator—we all hit roadblocks. Maybe you’re disciplined in some areas but struggle in others. Or maybe you feel stuck in many aspects of your life, unsure how to move forward.

Is change possible? Maybe. But the real key isn’t to force ourselves to become someone we’re not, it is to work with our tendencies rather than against them. If last-minute pressure helps you focus, create smaller deadlines along the way so the final push isn’t overwhelming. If stress paralyzes you instead of motivating you, build systems that encourage small, manageable steps forward.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. The most important thing is to take some action—no matter how small. Sometimes making the call to seek out coaching and guidance, creating accountability may help. Waiting for the perfect moment, the ideal motivation, or the ultimate plan? That’s just another way of staying stuck. Follow the Nike motto: JUST DO IT! Whatever the “it” means to you!

Beth S. (Bassie) Taubes, RN, CHC, CYT, is the owner of Wellness Motivations LLC. She motivates clients of all backgrounds, ages and health conditions to engage in improved self-care through nutritional counseling, personal fitness training, yoga practice, breath training tai chi, and stress reduction techniques. She is the director of community outreach for Ematai as well as the rebbetzin of Congregation Zichron Mordechai in Teaneck. She can be reached at [email protected], www.wellnessmotivationsbt.com.