The Knowing–Doing Gap: Why Smart Women Stay Stuck (and How to Finally Change)
You know what to do. You’ve read the books, journaled the insights, maybe even coached others through the same thing. But when it comes to your own life, something still isn’t shifting.
We’re diving into the psychology of the knowing–doing gap, that frustrating space between insight and action, and unpacking why even the most emotionally intelligent among us get stuck.
Rooted in behavioural theory, trauma-informed coaching, and real-life experience, we explore the invisible forces blocking change, even when we’re desperate. You’ll hear about internal conditioning, emotional safety, nervous system responses, and the quiet ways our culture rewards burnout and self-abandonment.
This isn’t about pushing harder.
It’s about creating inner and outer infrastructure that finally supports the life you already know you want.
We'll cover:
- The surprising origins of the knowing–doing gap (and why it’s not your fault)
- Why self-awareness is necessary – but not enough – for behaviour change
- The role of emotional resistance, cognitive dissonance, and nervous system protection in keeping you stuck
- Four powerful barriers that block action and how to gently dissolve them
- Why change disrupts social dynamics, and how to hold your ground when others push back
- Somatic and practical tools to help you pause, realign, and take brave, value-aligned action
- Why midlife (or any life crossroads) is often the beginning of true freedom
This episode is for you if:
- You’re deeply self-aware but still repeating patterns that exhaust or resent you
- You crave rest, clarity, boundaries—or visibility—but can’t seem to follow through
- You’ve been told you’re “so strong” for too long, and you’re ready to be real
- You want to understand not just why you’re stuck, but how to move forward
👥 Desire support?
This is the exact work I do with clients in 1:1 coaching. We build safety, structure, and clarity around your inner resistance so you can actually live what you know.
→ Learn more or book a call
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Visit jenniferwalter.me – your cosy corner where recovering perfectionists, misfits, and those done pretending to be fine find space to breathe, dream, and create real change."
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