MetaJess

All else being equal, if you “wanted” to do something but then didn’t do it, it means you didn’t actually want to do it. Maybe you thought you should, you recognised the value etc. But that is very different to actually wanting something. You have no problem doing what you want.

very true in most cases, but there's also paralyzing anxiety I wanted very much to do something, but was too afraid and when I entered a relatively anxiety-free period of my life I did it and greatly enjoyed it

There are many reasons why someone wouldn't do something they want. Like for me, severe fatigue. The view that people can do anything they want is really simplistic and reductive. And can be harmful.

Yeah the all else being equal part is trying to do this work here

It's just very, very common to have e.g. executive dysfunction, fatigue, monetary limitations and other limitations. Being able to do what you want is a huge privilege.