Making It Stick – How We Normalize New Knowledge

You’ve had a powerful insight. It felt true, important—even urgent. But a few weeks later? It’s faded into the background.

That’s because insight alone isn’t enough. We have to normalize new knowledge—build it into our mindset, habits, and way of seeing the world.

The Science of Integration

Psychologists call this assimilation and accommodation. When we encounter something new, our minds either fit it into what we already know (assimilation) or change our mental frameworks to make space for it (accommodation).

This is hard work. It requires discomfort, reflection, and sometimes a complete shift in belief systems.

Why We Resist New Knowledge

Insight often confronts old stories. It asks us to update our worldview, admit we were wrong, or let go of long-held assumptions. Without support (like coaching, community, or reflection), we tend to default to familiar thinking.

Wisdom Makes It Stick

Wisdom allows us to hold complexity. It makes room for contradiction, nuance, and growth. When we approach insight with wisdom, we’re more likely to integrate it—rather than avoid or oversimplify it.

Try this:
Revisit an insight you had in the past year. How has it changed you—or not? What would help it become part of your daily thinking or behavior?

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