If its our desire, why dont we do it?

A friend of mine raised an interesting question that got me thinking.
He asked, "Why do I choose not to do things I desire to do?"
I know, a little confusing but Romans 7 popped in my head. The Verse that says “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15b

So here are my thoughts on this really confusing question.

In life we all do things that might not be the best, and continue to do them. Such things such as Smoking, cursing, drinking, not working out, not eating right, mismanaging finances, slacking off at work, being a bad friend, gossiping, too much television, and so on. There are thousands. Why do we do these things?

Those are examples of things we don't want to do but I have a whole list of things that I want to do. Here are a few:

Wake up earlier and workout before work.

Save money & properly manage finances

Get in a basketball league.

Eat healthier, plus replace all sodas with water

Take guitar lessons

Seminary

Read more books including the bible (I just finished "Blue Like Jazz" in 2 weeks , that's a miracle for me)

All of these things are in my reach. They don't cost more than I can afford. I don't have to travel outside the country to get these things. It's all up to me making the decision to do it or not to.

So why not do it then? Why do we still not do these things? Is it laziness? I'm sure at times it is, although, I don't consider myself lazy. Maybe we're too tired. Well, you might be, but I'm too energetic to use that poor excuse. Maybe you don't have time. Nope, that's not me either. So why is it? My only answer is a lack of discipline. We know these things would be beneficial to us, or helpful, or maybe even fun. But we are not disciplined and organized enough to get it done.

Some people have no problem doing these things and for short periods of time, I as well have no problem, but then we get in what we call "ruts". Discipline is how you get through "ruts".

Discipline- activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training to act in accordance with rules; drill:

Some might say you're expecting too much out of yourself. Well, I hope that I am. I never want to be satisfied with who I am. I have so much respect for those that have this discipline. I wish I was one. Although, since I am not, I try to plan more. I read once in a fitness book, "When you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Cheesy but true.

I think we would have so much more satisfaction in life if we took the time and energy to do the things we desire. I don't want to just go through life but I want to do, and experience. I think if there is one topic that is not discussed enough in the church, it is how to have a disciplined life. The odd thing about discipline is it tests your will. How strong do you consider your will? I used to think mine was strong, now I am trying to solve that problem. Maybe I'm just talking to myself, but if prayer is on my list, I will be sure to pray for stronger discipline.