Close the Gap: Knowing & Doing Better
Closing Gaps: Even when we know better, we don’t neccesarily do better
Why isn’t wanting to be healthier, slimmer or more fit enough to make it a reality?
Finding the ‘magic sweet spot’ where desire, action and consistent habits intersect can feel magical when it happens, but there’s really no magic involved at all.
Let’s explore the top four most common reasons we hit roadblocks in building consistently healthier habits:
Knowledge is Cognitive — Action is Behavioral
Knowing what to do involves mental understanding: e.g., “I should walk more,” or “I should eat fewer processed foods.”
Taking consistent action involves emotional regulation, modifying routines, and often release of long-ingrained behavior patterns.
2. Emotion Overrides Logic
People often know what’s healthy, but stress, boredom, fear, or low self-worth can override logical choice making.
Emotional comfort (e.g., stress eating, skipping exercise) feels better now than delayed benefits.
3. Habits Are Subconscious
Habits run on autopilot. Simply knowing something is unhealthy doesn’t stop automatic and ingrained responses.
E.g., reaching for ice cream or chips when we are tired or stressed isn’t a conscious choice — it’s very often wrapped into a habit loop.
4. Fear of Failure or Change
Taking action risks failure. Many people find it so challenging they will stay in a "planning" or "learning" phase for months or years to minimize their discomfort with change.
🔁 The 6 Common Self-Sabotaging Behaviors in Healthly Habit Change
Most people can relate to at least a few of these six common patterns of self-sabotage:
All-or-Nothing Thinking
“I made less than perfect food choices for my lunch today, so my whole day is ruined. I’ll start over tomorrow.”
Perfectionism and unrealistic expectations lead people to quit instead of course-correcting.
2. Procrastination by Over-Planning
Continuously researching diets or workouts without committing to change.
Note: This can feel productive, but it delays action (and results we truly desire).
3. Negative Self-Talk
“I always fail at this,” or “What’s the point?”
Note: These internal messages are self-sabotaging momentum killers.
4. Rewarding with the Old Behavior
“I walked today, so I have earned pizza and wine for dinner.”
Note: Using food or inactivity as a reward reinforces the habit you're trying to shift out of.
5. Comparing to Others
“My husband lost 10 pounds already. Why bother? I have to work 3x as hard to even lose a few pounds”
Note: Discouragement from comparisons erodes self-confidence and feelings of joy.
6. Avoiding Accountability
What this looks like: Not tracking habits, going it alone.
Note: Lack of structure or community increases the chances of falling back onto old habits and not getting results.
Step out of the “knowing, but not doing” mode
As an extra incentive, your first 4 weeks in my Get and Stay Started program is half price thru Memorial Day. Contact me for more info about taking action and taking advantage of this limited time offer.
To your abundant health and joy,
Health Coach Gayle Rose
Certified Whole Health Coach
Certified Behavior Change Specialist
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
720-793-0413
P.S. Twenty five WhyPowered clients have joined my ‘winners circle’ by shedding 50+ pounds without dieting, calorie counting or anything extreme (hundreds more have radically changed their health trajectory). (Check out some WhyPowered success stories here.) Want to be success story #26? Get in touch to find out if you’re a good fit.
P.P.S. The half price Get Started program offer is only available thru Memorial Day. There’s never been a better time to get (and stay )started with a healthier lifestyle! DM me today!
