Closing the Gap: The Science of Follow-Through and Akrasia
Explore the science of follow-through and akrasia. Learn why we struggle with time inconsistency and how to bridge the gap between our goals and our actions.
Best quote from Closing the Gap: The Science of Follow-Through and Akrasia
The goal isn't to become someone with superhuman willpower, but to build a world where you don't need that much willpower in the first place by making the healthy choice the path of least resistance.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
Building self control, and discipline. I know what the problems are but I don’t actually fix them. I also want to learn how to live in the moment. And stop carrying about how I’m perceived. How to have routine. Weight loss. How to rewire my negative thinking. How to be more masculine even though I am bisexual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Akrasia is an ancient Greek term that describes the phenomenon of acting against your better judgment. It occurs when you know what you should do and want the results, but struggle to take the first step. In the context of the science of follow-through, akrasia explains the internal conflict between your motivated self and the part of you that prefers sticking to old habits or hitting the snooze button.
Our brains are naturally wired to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term future benefits, a concept known as time inconsistency. This quirk of behavioral psychology means that while we may feel motivated to change our lives at night, our 'present self' often chooses instant gratification the next morning. Understanding this wiring is essential for rewiring negative thoughts and overcoming the frustration of being stuck in a cycle of inaction.
Overcoming procrastination requires understanding that the struggle to follow through is not a character flaw, but a result of how our minds process time inconsistency. By studying the science of follow-through, you can learn to navigate personal challenges—such as building a routine, losing weight, or expressing your identity—by recognizing the brain's tendency to favor the present. This awareness helps in closing the gap between setting a goal and actually achieving it.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
