Why Experts Fail to Apply Their Own Advice

I had just stepped off the stage after completing my opening keynote. After enjoying the applause and fishing the wireless mic wires out from under my shirt, I’m sitting in the audience listening to the next presenter.

She’s a business speaker who talks about success . She has good stage presence and admirable speaking skills, and her audience is genuinely interested in her subject. Better, she’s telling a story that clearly illustrates the audience’s concerns and lays out a proven, actionable solution while positioning the speaker as the expert to solve the problem.

The speaker is doing everything correctly.

But here’s the rub: I know she and her business are suffering from precisely the same problem she’s purporting to solve for the audience. So, the question running through my mind is the same thing that’s probably bugging you now — why can’t she use her tools , tips, and techniques to fix her own situation?

As a marketing guy fascinated by human behavior, I wanted to understand experts and self-awareness, so I did some research.

The Paradox of Professional Experts and Self-Awareness

It turns out that it’s common for professionals to excel in their fields yet struggle with self-awareness and managing their own problems. As I learned, this often stems from the complex nature of self-perception, personal bias, and the human tendency to focus on external challenges rather than internal ones.

Several case studies illustrate this dynamic, shedding light on how expertise in one area doesn’t always equate to personal insight.

Common Adages That Explain the Problem

Lots of popular adages explain this:

• “The cobbler’s kids have no shoes.”
• “Those who can’t do, teach.”
• “Physician Heal Thyself .”

Case Studies: The Disconnect Between Knowledge and Application

Therapists and Counselors: Helping Others But Not Themselves

For example, many therapists and counselors are adept at guiding their clients through psychological challenges but can face difficulties applying the same strategies to their own lives.

A study published in the?Journal of Clinical Psychology revealed that therapists often struggle with burnout and stress management despite their professional knowledge. This paradox is partly because therapists, like anyone else, can become emotionally overwhelmed by their circumstances and may not always have the time or inclination to practice what they preach.

Physicians: Medical Experts Who Neglect Their Own Health

This is also evident in other areas of healthcare. Physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating medical conditions but can sometimes fail to apply the same measures to their health. JAMA ( The Journal of the American Medical Association) ?found that due to busy schedules, denial, or the belief that they can manage their health issues themselves, physicians are often less likely to seek medical help than their patients.

Why Personal Self-Management Is So Difficult for Experts

These case studies underscore the distinction between professional expertise and personal self-management. The skills and knowledge that make professionals effective in their roles don’t always extend to personal self-awareness or resolving individual issues. Hence, the fundamental human challenge is not being able to internalize one’s expertise despite having a deep understanding of how to do it for others.

Understanding the Human Biases Behind the Problem

Ultimately, the disconnect between what we know and how we apply it to ourselves is a universal challenge. It’s not a matter of lacking the knowledge or skills—it’s about the difficulty of turning that lens inward. Whether you’re a speaker, therapist, physician, or any other professional, the ability to solve others’ problems doesn’t always mean you can solve your own.

How Experts Can Overcome the Self-Management Challenge

Recognizing this gap is the first step toward bridging it, and perhaps the most valuable lesson we can learn is to treat ourselves with the same care and attention we give to those we help.

www.BruceTurkel.com