You Know What to Do.
So Why Aren't You Doing It?
Let's uncover what's driving the gap between knowing and doing.
There’s often a gap between what we know and what we actually do.
We know we should speak up, set the boundary, make the decision, take the opportunity or finally start the thing we’ve been putting off.
And yet, knowing isn’t always enough.
So rather than asking yourself, “Why can’t I just do it?”, start by getting curious about what might be driving the gap between knowing and doing.
The five questions
1. What am I actually avoiding?
The task itself, or something I think might happen if I do it?
2. What am I telling myself about this?
This could be, I’m not ready. I’ll probably get it wrong. I don’t have enough time. They might say no.
3. What am I feeling when I think about taking action?
Notice what comes up before you focus on what you think you should be doing.
4. What would I need to believe for taking the next step to feel easier?
The behaviour makes much more sense when you understand the belief sitting underneath it.
5. What is one thing I can do now that moves me forward?
You don’t need the entire path mapped out. What’s the next step?
Why these questions matter
Your behaviour makes sense when you understand what’s driving it.
Your experiences, memories, beliefs, values and sense of who you are all influence the meaning your brain gives to what’s happening now. And that meaning influences how you feel, how you respond and ultimately what you do.
That’s why simply knowing what you should do isn’t enough.
Understanding what’s driving your behaviour gives you somewhere to start changing it.
Want to understand your own patterns more clearly?
If there’s an area of your life where you know what you want to do but something keeps getting in the way, let’s have a conversation.