This week, I’ve been reflecting on two incredible conversations—with Codie Sanchez and Kim Scott—that hit on something we’ve all struggled with at some point: how to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.
Let me ask you—does this sound familiar? You read a book, watch a TED Talk, or listen to a podcast, and you’re completely inspired. You feel ready to tackle that big idea or make a life change. But then… life happens. The inspiration doesn’t quite translate into action. It gets stuck in the “theory” stage. I’ve been there too, and I’m guessing you have too.
What stood out in my conversations with Codie and Kim is that they go beyond ideas—they equip you with the tools to act. Codie provides step-by-step frameworks for building financial freedom through cash-flowing businesses, while Kim offers practical strategies for giving feedback, building trust, and leading with intention. They don’t just inspire; they empower.
The question isn’t, “How do I get to the top of the mountain?” It’s, “What’s my first step?”
John R. Miles
I want to explore bridging the gap between knowing and doing. How do we take lessons that inspire us and actually apply them to create meaningful change in our lives? Together, we’ll dig into the barriers that hold us back—fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty—and uncover practical strategies for moving forward.
We’ll pull insights from Codie and Kim and actionable steps you can start using today. Because Passion Struck isn’t just about dreaming big—it’s about making intentional choices and taking the actions that transform those dreams into reality. Let’s bridge the gap and start creating the life you’re passionate about living.
Lessons from Codie Sanchez and Kim Scott on How to Bridge the Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Alright, let’s talk about something we all struggle with: the gap between knowing and doing. It’s easy to get inspired by a great idea—like starting a business or being a better leader—but then… nothing happens. The idea just sits there, collecting dust, while life keeps moving. Sound familiar?
This week, I had the privilege of talking with two people who don’t let ideas stay in the “theory” phase—Codie Sanchez and Kim Scott. What struck me about both of them is how deeply they care about action. Not just talking about big concepts but actually helping people take meaningful steps to change their lives.
Take Codie, for example. She’s not out here telling people to chase the next tech startup or burn themselves out trying to climb the corporate ladder. Instead, she’s focused on something so practical, it’s almost boring: buying cash-flowing businesses. You know, the ones nobody pays attention to—plumbing companies, cleaning services, construction firms. Codie shows people step by step how to find these businesses, evaluate them, and make them their own. Her whole approach is about breaking wealth-building into actions you can take, starting right now.
Then there’s Kim Scott. If you’ve ever struggled to give someone feedback—like, you want to be honest, but you also don’t want to come off as a jerk—Kim gets it. She’s been there. Her books, Radical Candor and Radical Respect, give you a roadmap for navigating tough conversations without losing the humanity in your relationships. One of her core ideas is this balance: care personally, but challenge directly. And the way she explains it—through stories, frameworks, and real-life examples—makes you feel like, “Yeah, I can actually do this.”
Here’s what ties them together: both Codie and Kim are about moving from ideas to action. Ideas are great, but they don’t matter until we do something with them. Codie helps people take the leap into business ownership. Kim shows leaders how to build trust and respect, one conversation at a time. Whether it’s buying a business or giving feedback, the magic is in the action. It’s not about perfection. It’s about starting, learning, and adjusting along the way.
So, here’s where I want to go with this today. What’s keeping you in the “theory” phase? What’s stopping you from turning knowledge into action? Let’s unpack that. Let’s borrow some wisdom from Codie and Kim to figure out how to move forward with intention.
Ready? Let’s do this.
Why We Get Stuck in the “Theory Phase”
So, let’s talk about why so many of us get stuck in the “theory phase.” You know the one—where we get fired up about an idea, whether it’s starting a business, having that tough conversation, or making a big life change—and then… nothing. We stall out. It’s frustrating, and it happens to the best of us.
Let’s break it down because some pretty common culprits keep us stuck in the “theory phase.”
1. Fear of Failure or Rejection
Let’s be real: the idea of failing can be terrifying. Whether it’s launching something that flops or saying something that doesn’t land the way you intended, the fear of falling flat on your face is enough to paralyze anyone. You start thinking, “What if I try, and it doesn’t work? What if people judge me?” And just like that, the risk of failing feels bigger than the reward of succeeding.
Here’s the thing, though—Codie Sanchez didn’t build a 9-figure business empire by avoiding risk. And Kim Scott didn’t write books on candor and respect by staying quiet. They both leaned into the discomfort of failure because they knew that not trying was the real loss.
2. Overwhelm from Too Much Information
Sometimes, we get stuck because we don’t even know where to start. There’s so much information out there; it can feel like drinking from a firehose. Should you read another book? Take another course? Watch more YouTube videos? The more options you have, the harder it feels to pick a direction.
This happens a lot with people who hear about Codie’s work. They think, Okay, buying a business sounds amazing, but how do I even start? What if I don’t have the money? What if I mess it up? And before they know it, they’re so overwhelmed by the “what-ifs” that they don’t even take the first step.
3. Lack of Clear Next Steps
And let’s talk about this one because it’s huge. You have this big, exciting goal, but it feels vague and out of reach—like standing at the base of a mountain without a map. The result? You stay where you are, not because you lack ambition, but because you’re not sure how to move forward.
That’s where Codie and Kim come in. Codie gives you a roadmap: identify a cash-flowing business, evaluate it, negotiate the deal, and scale it. Kim provides tools like her “four quadrants of communication” and actionable strategies for giving feedback. They both break the process into smaller, manageable steps, so that mountain doesn’t feel so impossible to climb.
I explore this idea of combining clarity with intentional action deeply in Passion Struck. In the third part of my book, I introduce a concept I call the Bee and Turtle Effect. I’ve seen this principle in some of the most successful leaders and organizations, and it’s all about striking a balance between relentless daily productivity and a clear, long-term vision.
Let me explain.
What Is the Bee and Turtle Effect?
Bees and turtles are very different creatures, but the best entrepreneurs and leaders borrow traits from both to create lasting impact.
Think about the bee. Worker honeybees are laser-focused on their short-term goals. They make more than 100 foraging trips a day, tirelessly working to meet their daily objectives.
Now, think about the turtle. Sea turtles are known for their epic migrations—journeys spanning thousands of miles between feeding and nesting grounds. These trips require patience, persistence, and an unwavering focus on the long game.
The most successful people—and organizations—find ways to embody both: the short-term urgency of the bee and the long-term vision of the turtle. This is the key for learning how to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.
A Personal Story
I’ll admit, I’ve been stuck in the “theory phase” myself. Early in my career, I had this big idea for a project that I knew could be a game-changer. But every time I sat down to start, I’d freeze. What if it doesn’t work? What if I’m not ready? Instead of taking action, I kept tweaking the idea, researching more, and waiting for the “perfect” moment. You know what happened? Nothing. Absolutely nothing, until I finally decided that good enough was better than perfect. Once I took the first messy step, things started to happen.
A Relatable Example: It’s Not a Money Problem; It’s a Knowledge Problem
This is where Codie’s perspective really hits home. A lot of people hear her talk about buying a business and immediately think, That’s not for me. I don’t have the money. But Codie would argue: It’s not a money problem—it’s a knowledge problem.
Here’s what she means: Most people never take action because they don’t understand how it works. They don’t know how to find a business, what financing options are available, or what questions to ask in negotiations. By avoiding the effort to gather that knowledge, they’re effectively keeping themselves from the financial freedom they want. It’s not that they can’t do it—it’s that they haven’t equipped themselves to take that first step.
The Takeaway
So, if you’re feeling stuck in the “theory phase,” you’re not alone. It’s natural to let fear, overwhelm, or uncertainty hold you back. But here’s the truth: staying stuck doesn’t protect you from failure—it guarantees it. The only way forward is to take that first step, no matter how small or imperfect it might be.
Next, we’re going to discuss how you can start moving, using some of the lessons we’ve learned from Codie and Kim. Let’s get into actionable strategies to help you turn knowledge into results.
Break It Down: Bridging the Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Let’s take a closer look at the question: Why is action so hard? We know what we need to do—at least in theory. We’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, maybe even mapped out a plan. But something keeps us from taking that first step.
Codie Sanchez and Kim Scott have cracked the code on how to bridge that gap between theory and action. They’ve turned complex ideas into practical frameworks that make daunting challenges—like buying a business or creating a culture of trust—more achievable.
Here’s how we can apply their wisdom in a step-by-step framework that you can use today.
Step 1: Clarify Your Vision
The first problem with taking action is that we often don’t know what success really looks like. We say things like, “I want to be financially independent” or “I want to be a better leader,” but those are abstract ideas. And you can’t act on something abstract.
Codie is a master at defining success in concrete terms. For her, financial freedom doesn’t mean chasing the next big trend or hoping for a viral startup—it’s about finding cash-flowing businesses in unglamorous industries like plumbing or construction. It’s specific, actionable, and grounded in reality.
Kim does the same for leadership. Her idea of success is building workplace trust and respect—not by avoiding conflict, but by leaning into it with Radical Candor. Success for Kim is a leader who cares personally while challenging directly.
For you, success might mean something completely different. But here’s the key: make it clear, make it tangible, and make it personal. Write it down. Not “I want to get fit,” but “I want to run a 5K in under 30 minutes.” Not “I want to be financially free,” but “I want to replace my salary with income from a business I own.” Clarity drives action.
Step 2: Identify the First Actionable Step
Here’s the big secret: action isn’t about solving the whole problem. It’s about solving the next problem.
Codie teaches her audience to start small. If buying a business feels overwhelming, don’t buy one tomorrow. Start by identifying an industry that interests you or researching local businesses for sale.
Kim applies the same principle to feedback. You don’t need to revolutionize your communication style overnight. Start with one conversation. Think of someone in your life who could benefit from honest feedback and practice delivering it in a way that’s kind and clear.
Breaking the goal into smaller, digestible steps makes the process less intimidating and much more doable. The question isn’t, “How do I get to the top of the mountain?” It’s, “What’s my first step?”
Step 3: Leverage Tools and Frameworks
One of the reasons people like Codie and Kim are so effective is that they don’t just inspire action—they simplify it. They give you tools.
Codie’s dealmaking checklist walks you through the process of identifying, evaluating, and negotiating a business deal. Kim’s Radical Candor quadrants help you assess your communication style and adjust it to build trust and respect.
These frameworks take the guesswork out of the process. They reduce complexity and give you a clear path forward. The takeaway? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Find the tools and frameworks that align with your goals and use them to take the next step on bridging the gap between knowing and doing.
Step 4: Embrace Imperfection
Here’s the part no one likes to hear: your first step probably won’t be perfect. And that’s okay.
Codie often reminds people that the first deal you close probably won’t be your best, but it will teach you more than years of waiting ever could. Kim shares stories of leaders who hesitated to give feedback, fearing they’d say the wrong thing, only to learn that imperfect feedback is better than none at all.
We often wait for the “perfect” moment to act—the right timing, the right resources, the right circumstances. But perfection is a myth. Progress comes from messy, imperfect action. Start small, make mistakes, and learn as you go.
Why This Works
Behavioral science backs this up: the hardest part of any action is simply starting. We’ve explored this on this podcast before, especially in my conversation with Dr. BJ Fogg in episode 388. Dr. Fogg, the founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University and author of Tiny Habits, emphasizes that starting small is the key to creating lasting change. He says, “If you plant the right seed in the right spot, it will grow without further coaxing.” By taking tiny actions, we lower the barrier to entry and make it easier to build momentum.
When you take that first small step, you set off a chain reaction. Each small win boosts your confidence, and that confidence propels you to take on bigger challenges. This idea is echoed in Teresa Amabile’s Progress Principle, highlighting how even minor progress can significantly enhance motivation and creativity. She notes, “Of all the things that can boost emotions, motivation, and perceptions during a workday, the single most important is making progress in meaningful work.”
Codie and Kim understand this deeply. Their frameworks aren’t just about reaching a destination; they’re about creating a journey where each step builds upon the last. By breaking down ambitious goals into manageable actions, they help us overcome inertia and make consistent progress.
So, why does this work? Because it transforms overwhelming tasks into achievable actions. It shifts our mindset from “I have to do everything” to “I can do this one thing right now.” This approach leverages the power of small wins to create sustainable momentum.
Let’s Make It Practical
So, let’s turn this insight into action. Here’s your challenge:
- Define Your Vision
What does success look like for you? Be specific. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” try, “I want to run a 5K without stopping.” Instead of “I want to improve my leadership skills,” consider, “I want to foster a team culture where open feedback is encouraged.” Write it down and make it tangible.
- Pick One Small Step
Identify the next immediate action you can take. Not the entire plan, just the very next step. If your goal is financial independence, perhaps your first step is to read an article about acquiring small businesses. If you want to improve your relationships, maybe it’s scheduling a conversation with someone to practice Radical Candor.
- Use a Tool
Equip yourself with resources that simplify the process. This could be Codie’s dealmaking checklist if you’re exploring business acquisitions, or Kim’s Radical Candor framework to enhance your communication skills. Tools like these provide structure and clarity, making it easier to take action.
- Start, Even If It’s Messy
Let go of the need for perfection. As Dr. BJ Fogg shared, “Embrace the messy and imperfect start; it’s better than not starting at all.” Focus on making progress rather than achieving perfection. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.
Because here’s the thing: the gap between theory and action isn’t a wall—it’s just a step. And you already have what it takes to climb it. The most significant transformations begin with that first, often imperfect, step forward.
Real-Life Application: How to Bridge the Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Sometimes, the best way to understand the power of turning theory into action is through a real-life story. Change is a fascinating phenomenon. It feels intangible, elusive—a destination we dream of but rarely know how to reach. But when you break it down, change is less about massive leaps and more about consistent, intentional steps.
Nate Dukes, who joined us in episode 69 of this show, is living proof that transformation is possible, no matter how far you’ve fallen. His story is raw, inspiring, and a roadmap for anyone looking to create their own comeback.
Nate Dukes Comeback Story
In his early twenties, Nate Dukes was the picture of outward success. He owned a business and seemed to be thriving, but his life was unraveling behind the scenes. A secret drug addiction consumed him, and his decisions led to broken relationships, jail time, and losing everything he’d worked for.
For Nate, rock bottom wasn’t a metaphor—it was a jail cell. In that stark, quiet space, he was forced to confront a harsh reality: the life he was living wasn’t the life he wanted. Faced with this truth, Nate asked himself one pivotal question: What if I could change?
The road to transformation wasn’t dramatic or instant. Nate didn’t wake up with his life figured out. Instead, he started small. He made one better decision, then another. He repaired broken relationships, reshaped his mindset, and rebuilt his habits. Each step created momentum, and over time, those small, consistent actions led to a total transformation. He learned how to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.
Today, Nate is the author of You’ll Never Change, a speaker, and a coach dedicated to helping others rewrite their stories. His journey is living proof that even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome with intentional choices and steady progress.
Lessons from Nate’s Journey
Nate’s story is more than inspiring—it’s a masterclass in moving from knowing to doing. Here’s what we can learn:
- Change Starts With a Decision
As Nate shared in episode 69, the first step toward transformation is deciding that you want it. For him, that decision happened in jail, but for most of us, it could happen anywhere. The key is to recognize that you have the power to choose differently. - Small Wins Build Momentum
Research shows that the hardest part of any action is simply starting. Nate didn’t try to fix everything at once. He focused on small, manageable steps—choosing better habits, making amends, and celebrating incremental progress. Those small wins built the momentum that carried him forward. - Reframe Your Narrative
One of Nate’s biggest breakthroughs was rejecting the lie that he couldn’t change. So many of us are trapped by stories we tell ourselves—stories about our limitations, our past failures, or our supposed inability to grow. Nate rewrote his narrative, proving that our past doesn’t have to define our future. - Surround Yourself With the Right People
In his book, Nate emphasizes the importance of stepping away from toxic influences and building a community of support. The people around us shape our beliefs, influence our decisions, and ultimately affect our outcomes. If you want to change, you need people who will challenge and uplift you.
Connecting This to My Own Journey
Nate’s story reminds me of my own journey through transformation where I had to bridge the gap between knowing and doing. After leaving the military, I found myself in a different kind of valley. Transitioning to a corporate career felt daunting. I didn’t know where to start, and the gap between where I was and where I wanted to be felt overwhelming.
Like Nate, I learned that the key to change wasn’t waiting for the perfect moment—it was taking intentional steps, no matter how small. I started by reaching out to mentors, dedicating time to learning new skills, and showing up even when I wasn’t sure I was ready.
Those small actions created the momentum I needed to build a new path forward. And just like Nate, I learned that transformation is less about giant leaps and more about consistent, purposeful progress.
What This Means for You
Nate’s story, like the lessons from Codie Sanchez and Kim Scott, proves that transformation doesn’t require perfection—it requires progress. So, here’s my challenge to you:
- What’s one choice you can make today to rewrite your own story?
- What’s one small action you can take to create momentum?
If Nate’s journey teaches us anything, it’s this: no matter how far you’ve fallen, change is possible. It starts with a decision and grows with each intentional step you take.
In Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Here’s the thing—change isn’t about being perfect, having all the answers, or waiting for the right moment. It’s about showing up, even when it feels messy. It’s about taking that first small, sometimes scary, step and trusting that the path will reveal itself as you move forward.
We’ve explored some powerful ideas today, from Codie Sanchez’s frameworks for financial independence to Kim Scott’s tools for building trust and giving feedback. And we heard about Nate Dukes’ inspiring journey from rock bottom to redemption—proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, transformation is possible when you decide to act.
But let’s bring this back to you. Maybe you’re sitting here thinking about a goal you’ve put off for too long, or a change you’ve wanted to make but haven’t had the courage to start. I get it. Taking that first step is hard. It’s vulnerable. It’s uncertain.
Here’s the truth, though: staying where you are is harder. It’s the quiet regret of not trying, the nagging question of what if?
The key isn’t to overhaul everything at once. It’s to pick one thing—just one—and take a single step toward it. Send the email. Read the book. Have the conversation. Do it imperfectly, but do it. Because as Nate’s story shows us, small steps compound.
Here’s my challenge to you: Think about what matters most to you right now. What’s one action—no matter how small—that you can take today to move closer to it?
Write it down. Then take it. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.
And when you do, let me know. Tag me on social media @JohnRMiles or share it with the Passion Struck community. I want to hear about the steps you’re taking to bridge the gap between knowing and doing because every story of progress—no matter how small—has the power to inspire someone else.
