Quick Spoon: Three questions before you take action

Quick Spoon: Three questions before you take action

Author: Ross McIntosh June 29, 2026 Duration: 1:30

We often assume that if we're not taking action, the problem must be motivation.

But what if there's more to it than that?

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a practical framework shared by organisational psychologist Dr Joe Gray, based on the work of Professor Sharon Parker.

Before judging ourselves for not following through, Joe suggests asking three simple questions:

  • Can I do it?
  • Do I have a reason to do it?
  • Do I have the energy to do it?

Together, they offer a more compassionate and practical way of understanding what's getting in the way.

Something to Reflect On

Think about one thing you've been putting off.

Then ask yourself:

  • Can I do it?
  • Do I have a reason to do it?
  • Do I have the energy to do it?

Which answer reveals the real barrier?

Listen to the Full Episode

Powering Workplace Proactivity with Dr Joanne Gray


Ever wonder why we do the things we do, especially at work or when trying to lead others? People Soup digs into that question, but it doesn’t stop at theory. Each episode is built on a foundation of behavioural science, which means you’ll get more than just interesting stories-you’ll get a clearer understanding of the human ingredients that make up our daily interactions. The conversations here feel real and unscripted, often touching on the messy, rewarding, and sometimes frustrating experience of simply being human. You’ll find that this podcast operates at the intersection of our professional ambitions and our personal well-being, exploring how they influence each other in ways we might not immediately see. It’s for anyone who has left a meeting baffled by a colleague’s reaction, struggled to motivate a team, or just wanted to navigate their own goals with a bit more clarity and less friction. The ideas discussed are deliberately practical, designed to be used almost immediately, whether you’re looking to improve a process, a relationship, or your own mindset. Tune in for a blend of thoughtful analysis and actionable insight that aims to make the complex recipe of human behaviour a little easier to understand and work with.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

People Soup
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