When Insight Isn’t Enough

Why knowing what to do doesn’t always change what we do

Author

Vickie Poole
January 28, 2026

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There was a season in my life when I was learning a lot.

I was reading the books. Watching the lives. Saving the quotes.

Filling notebooks with things that felt profound in the moment.

And yet… my life wasn’t changing.

Not in the way I expected.

I remember one afternoon standing in my kitchen, flipping through a notebook I hadn’t opened in months. Page after page of insights I had once underlined, starred, circled. Things that had felt like truth when I first heard them.

And the thought that hit me was uncomfortable: “I know all of this… so why am I still here?” That was the moment I realized something important.

Information hadn’t been my problem. Integration had. Because learning can feel like movement. Collecting can feel productive. Insight can feel powerful. But insight alone doesn’t rewire a nervous system. It doesn’t change identity. It doesn’t automatically turn into action.

What does?

Movement. Even the smallest kind. I started to notice a pattern , not just in myself, but in the people I work with. The ones who change don’t necessarily know more. They move differently. They take one small action that proves to their system, “This matters now.” And the ones who stay stuck? They aren’t lazy. They aren’t unmotivated. They’re waiting to feel ready. But readiness is sneaky. It sounds responsible. It sounds mature. And most of the time, it’s just fear dressed in a nicer outfit.

That was the shift for me. I stopped asking, “How do I do all of this?”

And started asking, “What’s the smallest move that tells my body this is real?”

Everything changed from there.Let's work together to unlock your potential and discover the power of collaboration and mindfulness in transforming your life. Whether it's through guided meditations, strategic business planning, or simply finding joy in everyday moments, I'm committed to helping you find your path to happiness and fulfillment.

3 Quotes to Ponder:

  1. “Information feels like progress… until you realize you’re still standing in the same place.”

  2. “You don’t need more clarity. You need one decision you’re willing to live.”

  3. “A tiny action is a powerful message to your nervous system: this is safe now.”

2 Thought Experiments to Try Today

1. The Shelf Test; Imagine every insight you’ve collected over the past year is sitting on a shelf in your mind — books read, lives watched, quotes saved, notes taken.

Now ask yourself: Which one keeps catching your eye… the one you know would change something if you actually lived it?

You don’t need to act on all of them.

Just notice which one hasn’t let you go.

Awareness is already movement.

2. The One-Inch Shift; Instead of asking, “What’s the big leap I need to take?”

Ask this: If I moved one inch toward the life I want — today — what would that look like?

Not impressive.

Not shareable.

Just honest.

Often the inch is enough to tell your nervous system: “This is safe now.”

And that’s how momentum begins.

This Week’s Affirmation: Write this somewhere you’ll see it today:

“I transform insight into action. I use what I learn. I become who I came here to be.”

Say it slowly. Let it land.

Journal Prompt

Sit with this one honestly:

What insight have I been collecting… but not implementing? And what is the smallest action I will take within 24 hours to prove I’m serious?

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to begin.

Book I’m Reflecting On This Week

Start With Why — Simon Sinek

This book explores a simple but powerful idea: lasting change doesn’t come from knowing what to do — it comes from understanding why you do it. Sinek breaks down how clarity of purpose drives action, consistency, and trust — whether in leadership, business, or personal growth. It’s especially powerful if you’ve ever felt inspired… but struggled to follow through.

I also recommend watching Simon Sinek’s TED Talk on YouTube. It’s a beautiful companion to the book and a great reminder that when your why is clear, action feels less forced — and more natural.Sometimes trust isn’t passive.
It’s deeply intelligent.

If you find yourself needing support, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Sometimes asking for help is the next stone appearing.

I’m here if and when that feels aligned — whether that’s a conversation, a group, or simply reaching out. If you’d like to talk, you can schedule time with me here:

Until then, let today be a little softer.

Let trust do more of the work.

With love,
Vickie 🍑
Life is delicious.Remember, I'm here to support you on this journey!

Warmly,

Vickie Poole

Special For Today

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