HOWE Q. WALLACE BLOG

Knowing-Doing Gap.

There’s a thing called the “knowing-doing gap.”

Here’s what it says: Most of the failures and shortfalls in life don’t occur because of lack of knowledge. Most of us have learned what we need to know to be successful. Unfortunately, knowledge isn’t enough. If we don’t do what we know to do and fail, we experience the “knowing-doing gap.”

What is it that you know you should be doing and aren’t doing it?

For instance, we give you incentives to do certain things to make you healthy and, by doing them, you get cheaper insurance.

We can give you cheaper insurance because it has been proven that you won’t need the insurance as often or as much because you will avoid the medical catastrophes that come from if you implement the health strategies. It’s a win-win.

But, instead, we (I say we because I haven’t implemented all the strategies) don’t implement, subject ourselves to health risk and the health plan to unnecessary costs.

It’s dumb, isn’t it?

I am betting if you reflect on it, you have many things you know and don’t do. It’s human nature.

But, we should fight more.

Last week, I shared this quote:

“We improve ourselves by victories over ourselves. There must be contests, and you must win.” Edward Gibbon

If you are looking for the targets for victories to win, can I recommend you target your “knowing-doing gaps”?

Andy Stanley, a preacher to whom I listen, says that it takes wisdom to know what to do and courage to do it. I’ve begun praying for that strength. So, I can close some gaps.