Closing the Knowing-Doing Gap: A Path to Personal Growth
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Chapter 1 Understanding the Knowing-Doing Gap
The gap between what we know and what we actually do can be frustrating. As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wisely said, “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not good enough; we must do.” This resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to turn knowledge into action.
You might be aware that indulging in that extra slice of cake is counterproductive to your weight loss goals. Similarly, you know the steps to enhance your sales, improve your health, and foster deeper relationships. Despite absorbing insights from self-help experts, reading numerous self-improvement books, and jotting down your ambitions, you may find it challenging to act on them.
You’ve likely recognized your patterns of self-sabotage and procrastination. Yet, despite being aware, you remain stuck in inaction. Our minds are filled with strategies to transform our lives—whether it’s cutting back on sugar, halting binge-watching to finish that article, detoxing from social media, or engaging more with our families.
With noble intentions to reach our sales goals, connect with loved ones, and maintain a regular exercise routine, we still fail to act on what we know. The barriers to action seem endless. So, what causes this resistance?
In their book, "The Knowing-Doing Gap: How Smart Companies Turn Knowledge into Action," Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton delve into why we struggle to translate knowledge into action and how we can achieve meaningful change.
Section 1.1 The Comfort Zone
One of the primary barriers to taking action is our attachment to comfort. Society often promotes the idea that a fulfilling life should be devoid of discomfort and struggle. Humans are inherently inclined to seek comfort, which complicates our ability to act on beneficial knowledge.
The crucial inquiry isn’t merely recognizing what’s best for us—it’s understanding why we resist those very actions. To break free from this inertia, we must first confront our comfort zones and shift our focus from avoiding discomfort to embracing the necessary actions.
Section 1.2 The Trap of Memory
Another factor contributing to our inaction is the pressure to maintain consistency with familiar routines, even when those habits are counterproductive. As the saying goes, “Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results.” Yet, many of us find ourselves trapped in this cycle of comfortable insanity, hesitant to embrace the changes that could enhance our lives.
Chapter 2 Overcoming Fear and Perfectionism
The fear of the unknown and the fear of failure can be paralyzing. Ironically, we often find ourselves more terrified of the unknown than we are of enduring a less-than-ideal situation. To combat this fear, consider reframing your thoughts: instead of asking, “What if I fail?” try asking, “What if I succeed?”
Perfectionism also hinders progress. Many believe that acquiring more knowledge will close the knowing-doing gap. This mindset allows us to stall indefinitely while pondering, “But how?” Business consultant Peter Block addresses this in his book, “The Answer to How Is Yes: Acting On What Matters.” His key insight is to take that first step and adapt as you go along.
Rewarding action rather than mere discussion is crucial. Identify one specific change you wish to implement. What stands in your way? Is it time constraints? A lack of urgency? Set a deadline for yourself and automate the process wherever possible.
Reflect on what you know but haven’t acted upon. Are you stalling by overanalyzing the ‘how’? Consider how you can increase your action-taking and reduce idle talk.