Many people understand their own problems very well. They know their habits, their triggers, and even the reasons behind their behaviour. Yet, despite this awareness, they often struggle to make real changes in their lives.
This situation can feel confusing and frustrating. If someone knows what is wrong, why can’t they fix it? According to therapist Jeff Guenther, this is more common than people think.
He describes this pattern as “high insight, low change.” It refers to people who have deep self-awareness but find it difficult to turn that understanding into action.
At first, it may seem like awareness should automatically lead to change. After all, if you understand your behaviour, you should be able to fix it. But the human brain does not work in such a simple way.
According to Jeff Guenther, different parts of the brain are responsible for thinking and behaviour. The part that helps you analyse and understand your actions is the thinking part of the brain. This is where insight comes from.
However, actual behaviour is controlled by deeper systems in the brain. These include areas linked to habits, emotions, and survival instincts. These systems are powerful and often operate automatically.
This means that even if you clearly understand your behaviour, those deeper systems may still continue their usual patterns. For example, a person may know that they are procrastinating or avoiding something important. They may even understand why they are doing it. But when the moment comes, they still repeat the same behaviour.
This creates a gap between knowing and doing. And this gap can feel very discouraging.
Jeff explains that this experience can be emotionally painful. When you are unaware of your behaviour, it is easier to ignore or justify it. But when you fully understand your patterns and still cannot change them, it can feel like being stuck.
Another challenge is that insight can sometimes give a false sense of progress. People may feel that because they understand their behaviour so well, they are improving. But in reality, they may still be repeating the same actions.
In some cases, people even become very good at explaining their problems without actually solving them. They can describe their emotions and patterns in detail, but the behaviour remains the same.
ALSO READ: Oil prices rise as Donald Trump signals US will not depend on Strait of Hormuz supply
ALSO READ: Russian AN-26 military plane crashes in Crimea, all 29 people on board killed
The good news is that change is still possible. But it usually requires a different approach.
One important step is to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment to change. Many people believe they need to feel ready, motivated, or confident before taking action. However, that feeling may never come.
Instead, action needs to happen first. Even if it feels uncomfortable or unnatural, taking small steps can begin to shift behaviour.
Jeff Guenther suggests starting with very small actions. These actions should be so simple that they almost feel too easy. For example, instead of trying to completely change a habit overnight, a person can begin with a small version of that change.
These small steps may not seem important at first, but they help train the brain over time. The deeper parts of the brain learn through repetition, not through big or dramatic efforts.
At the beginning, these actions may feel fake or forced. That is normal. The goal is not to feel perfect but to build consistency. Over time, the brain starts to adapt, and the behaviour becomes more natural.
Another important factor is sharing your struggles with someone you trust. Many people try to deal with their problems alone. But keeping everything inside can increase feelings of shame and isolation.
Talking to a friend, family member, or therapist can make a difference. When someone else understands your situation, it can reduce the emotional burden. It also creates a sense of accountability, which can support change.
Jeff points out that change does not happen instantly. It is a gradual process that requires patience. Even small improvements should be seen as progress.
It is also important to be kind to yourself during this journey. Feeling stuck does not mean you are weak or incapable. It simply means your brain is following patterns that have developed over time.
In conclusion, understanding your problems is an important first step, but it is not enough on its own. Real change comes from consistent action, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable.
By taking small steps, building habits slowly, and seeking support from others, it is possible to move from awareness to action. The process may take time, but every small effort counts.
Change is not about knowing everything. It is about doing something, even if it is small, and doing it again and again.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash