Awareness vs. Action: The Power of Deciding to Move Forward

Today, I want to talk about why awareness alone isn’t enough, why deciding to act is such a critical step, and how we can make that choice with confidence. Needless to say, we've all had moments where we know something needs to change, but for some reason we never get around to do anything about it.

Let me start by breaking down what this quote means. Awareness is like flipping on a light switch—you suddenly see the room clearly. Maybe you realize you’re stuck in a job that drains you, or your health habits need a serious overhaul, or there’s a social issue you care about but haven’t engaged with. That moment of clarity is powerful. It’s the what—the thing you now know. However as for action, That’s the how and the why. It’s the decision to step into the discomfort of change and do something about it.

Here’s the tricky part: Awareness doesn’t automatically lead to action. It’s not like realizing you need to exercise makes you lace up your sneakers and hit the gym. There’s a gap, and that gap is where so many of us get stuck. Why? Because action requires a deliberate choice—a moment where you say, “I’m going to do this, even if it’s hard.” Without that decision, awareness just sits there, like a book you keep meaning to read but never open.

Think about it like this: Imagine you’re aware your diet could be healthier. You’ve read the articles, watched the documentaries, maybe even felt that twinge of guilt at the drive-thru. But months go by, and nothing changes. Why? Because you haven’t decided to act. You haven’t committed to swapping soda for water or meal-prepping on Sundays. That decision is the bridge between knowing and doing, and it’s where the real work begins.

So, why is making the decision to act so hard? Let’s get into the psychology of it. First, there’s fear. Taking action often means stepping into the unknown, and our brains are wired to avoid uncertainty. What if you fail? What if it’s uncomfortable? What if people judge you? That fear can keep you paralyzed, even when you’re fully aware of what needs to change.

Then there’s the inertia of comfort. Our routines, even the unhealthy or unfulfilling ones, feel safe because they’re familiar. Deciding to act means disrupting that cozy status quo. It’s like choosing to get out of a warm bed on a cold morning—you know you need to, but it’s so much easier to stay put.

Another hurdle? Overwhelm. When we become aware of something big—like starting a business, addressing a global issue like climate change, or even repairing a strained relationship—the thought of it can feel crushing. The decision to act gets buried under questions like, “Where do I even start?” or “Will my effort even matter?”

I’ll share a personal example. A while back, I became aware that I was spending way too much time on my phone. Those weekly screen time reports were brutal—six, sometimes seven hours a day. I knew it was affecting my focus and even my mood. But for weeks, I did nothing. Why? Because I hadn’t made the decision to act. I was stuck in the cycle of awareness without commitment. It wasn’t until I sat down and consciously chose to set boundaries—like no phone in the bedroom and a 30-minute limit on social media—that things shifted. That moment of decision was the turning point.

So, how do we make that decision to act? How do we move from “I know” to “I’m doing”? Here are four strategies to help you commit to action and bridge the gap.

Step 1: Own the choice. Deciding to act starts with taking responsibility for your path. Awareness can come from external sources—a friend’s advice, a viral post, a wake-up call—but action is on you. Tell yourself, “I’m choosing to do this.” Write it down, say it out loud, make it real. That intentionality creates a mental shift. For example, if you’re aware you need to save money, don’t just think, “I should save.” Decide, “I’m going to save 50 bucks a month starting from this paycheck.”

Step 2: Start small so as to build trust in yourself. Big decisions to act can feel intimidating, so break them into micro-actions. Want to write a book? Don’t decide to write a novel today. Decide to write one paragraph. Small wins prove to yourself that you can follow through, and that builds momentum. It’s like laying bricks—one at a time, and suddenly you’ve got a wall.

*By the way, I am currently writing a book and I will let you know when it is ready, so watch out for it.

Step 3: Anchor to your why. The decision to act is easier when it’s tied to a deeper purpose. Ask yourself, “Why does this matter to me?” If you’re aware you need to get healthier, is it to feel confident, to be there for your kids, to live longer? When I decided to cut back on my phone time, my why was reclaiming my mental clarity and being present for the people I care about. That emotional anchor kept me committed.

Step 4: Anticipate resistance and plan for it. The decision to act doesn’t mean the path will be smooth. You’ll face procrastination, doubt, maybe even sabotage from your own habits. So, make a plan for when resistance hits. If you’re trying to exercise, decide what you’ll do when you’re “too tired”—maybe it’s a 5-minute stretch instead of a full workout. When I decided to declutter my workspace recently, I knew I’d be tempted to put it off. So, I committed to just 10 minutes a day, and I set a timer to keep myself honest.

Let’s zoom out and look at this idea in a broader context. The gap between awareness and action isn’t just personal—it shows up in society, too. Think about issues like mental health awareness or racial injustice. Campaigns do an incredible job of spreading knowledge, but without actions like policy changes, community efforts, or individual habit shifts, the impact falls short. For example, we’re all aware of plastic pollution, but how many of us have decided to carry a reusable water bottle or advocate for a paper bag? That choice to act, even in small ways, is what drives change.

Here’s a challenge for you: Think of one area where you’re aware of something but haven’t acted on it. Maybe it’s a goal you’ve been circling, a habit you want to break, or a cause you care about. Right now, make a decision to take one small action today. Not next week, not when you’re “ready”—today. Write down what it is, and commit to it. If you’re up for it, share it in the comments I’d love to cheer you on.

For me, it’s that cluttered workspace I mentioned earlier. I’m aware it’s stressing me out, so I’m deciding to spend 10 minutes today sorting things out. It’s small, but it’s a start. What’s your action? Let’s hold each other accountable.

So don't forget "Awareness doesn't necessarily lead to action." This is a reminder that knowing isn’t enough—you have to choose to move. Deciding to act is like turning the key in a car: It starts the engine, but you still have to drive. So, make that choice, start small, and keep your why in sight. Every step forward counts, and every decision to act builds a stronger, more intentional you.

Thanks for stopping by. If you found this helpful, share it with someone who needs a nudge, drop a comment, or leave a review—it really helps. Until next time, keep reflecting, keep deciding, and keep moving forward.