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You Know What to Do, But Don’t Do It: Why It’s Not a Willpower Problem

ByMrsFNutrition

You’ve read the books about willpower.
You’ve done the journaling.
You know how to check in with your hunger. You understand gentle nutrition.
So why, on random Tuesday nights, are you elbow-deep in snacky chaos, wondering:
“What is wrong with me??”

Let’s get this out of the way first:
There’s nothing wrong with you.

Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different skill sets—especially when it comes to food, bodies, and feelings.

So if you’re stuck in the gap between intention and action? You’re in good company. And this blog is for you.

1. Because You’re a Human, Not a Robot

You can know all the things and still hit a wall. That doesn’t mean you’re lazy or broken. It means you’re a full-spectrum human with emotions, patterns, and—oh right—a nervous system.

So the next time you find yourself saying “Ugh, I KNOW better,” pause.

What if you knew exactly enough… and you were just tired, overstimulated, or in need of care?

2. Because Knowing Isn’t the Same as Feeling Safe to Act

Sometimes the block isn’t lack of knowledge—it’s a lack of safety (or alternative way of coping)


If food used to be your comfort, control, or coping tool… then letting go of that old story might feel vulnerable. Scary, even.

Intuitive eating isn’t just a new way of eating—it’s a whole new way of relating to yourself. That takes time, repetition, and a lot of self-gentleness.

Relaxing setup with a cup of tea and journal on a bed, perfect for a cozy winter afternoon. willpower

3. Because You’re Not a Willpower Machine

Let’s retire the idea that willpower is the gold standard.

What actually supports long-term change?

  • Self-trust
  • Consistency with flexibility
  • Environments that help you succeed
  • Emotional tools that aren’t just “try harder”

You’re not failing. The system was never built for softness. But you can change it.

4. Because Your Old Patterns Are Comfortable, Even If They’re Clunky

Doing the thing you’ve always done is easy, even when it doesn’t feel good.

Doing the new, aligned thing, the thing that servers the new you best? That often means making a decision. That takes energy, presence, and maybe a deep breath (or twelve), and causes fatigue (especially if your day has already been full of decisions!


So yes, you might default to the old thing sometimes. That’s not sabotage. That’s… literally being in a growth process.

5. Because Sometimes, You’re Just Too Tired

You don’t need to analyse your resistance to making a salad if what you actually need is a nap.

Rest is not the enemy of progress.

Honestly? Sometimes skipping the thing you “should” do is the most intuitive move you can make.

Woman peacefully napping on a couch with a red patterned blanket in a modern kitchen setting.

🌿 So What Can You Actually Do?

When you find yourself stuck in the “I know what to do but I’m not doing it” loop:

  • Pause the shame spiral. It’s loud and and it’s unhelpful. Stop and be kind to yourself.
  • Get curious, not critical. What do I need right now? Sleep, space, water, nourishing food?
  • Pick the tiniest next step that feels kind, not punishing. Remember even the smallest steps forward count.
  • Celebrate the smallest win. Even if it’s brushing your teeth or drinking a glass of water.
  • Zoom out. You’re not behind. You’re just in the middle of the story.

Work With Me

New Programme (coming soon)

It’s not quite ready yet, but it that sounds interesting, you can grab my free Make Peace with your Plate guide here https://subscribepage.io/OvCEZa and join my mailing list to make sure you get more info about the programme (when it’s ready).

You can find out more about me and my story on my website https://mrsfnutrition.com/mystory/

Thanks for reading!

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