Why We Know What’s Good for Us—But Still Don’t Do It

Why We Know What’s Good for Us—But Still Don’t Do It

We all know we should exercise regularly, eat healthily, and make better lifestyle choices. Yet, despite having all the knowledge, advice, and good intentions, many of us struggle to follow through. Why is it so hard to do what we know is best for us? The answer lies in psychology.

The Science of Inaction: Why We Resist Change

Our brains are wired to prioritise immediate comfort over long-term benefits. This is rooted in a psychological phenomenon called present bias, where we favour short-term rewards over future gains. A workout might improve our health in the long run, but in the moment, skipping it in favour of watching TV provides instant gratification.

Similarly, our habit loops play a major role in our daily choices. The brain loves efficiency, so it creates automatic patterns—if we’re used to reaching for processed snacks or skipping workouts, breaking these habits requires conscious effort and discipline.

The Role of Decision Fatigue

Every day, we make thousands of decisions—what to wear, what to eat, how to respond to emails. This constant mental effort leads to decision fatigue, making us more likely to default to easy, familiar choices. That’s why, after a long day, cooking a healthy meal feels overwhelming compared to ordering takeout.

Overcoming the “All or Nothing” Mindset

Many of us struggle with an all or nothing mentality—if we can’t do something perfectly, we feel like it’s not worth doing at all. This is why people abandon diets after one unhealthy meal or quit exercising after missing a few sessions. But change doesn’t require perfection; it requires consistency.

The Power of Just Starting – Small Changes Lead to Big Results

The key to overcoming inaction is to start small. Here’s why:

Tiny habits bypass resistance

‍Doing five minutes of exercise feels much easier than committing to an hour. Once you start, momentum builds.

Small wins build confidence

‍Swapping one sugary drink for water or taking a 10-minute walk reinforces your ability to make better choices.
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Action creates motivation

‍We often think we need motivation to take action, but it’s the opposite—small actions generate motivation.

Practical Strategies to Take Action

• Make it easy – Set out your gym clothes the night before or prep healthy meals in advance. 
• Reduce decision fatigue – Plan workouts or meals in advance so you don’t have to rely on willpower. 
• Focus on identity, not just goals – Instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” say “I’m the type of person who prioritises my health.” 
• Celebrate progress, not perfection – Small steps forward are still progress.

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Final Thoughts

We often overestimate the effort needed to start and underestimate the power of small changes. The hardest part is the first step, but once you begin, momentum takes over. 

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, just start—however small—and let that be the catalyst for lasting change.

#PositiveChange #TakeAction #PrioritisingWellbeing #SmallChangesBigResults

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