Why changing habits is so hard: the blind spot theory

Researcher Viviane Canziani Pagani's "Blind Spot Theory" explains that failed lifestyle changes often stem from a mismatch between a goal's demands and a person's available resources, not a lack of willpower. The theory identifies four dimensions affecting capacity: body, mind, purpose, and environment. It suggests sustainable change requires balancing what an action demands with what a person can maintain, advocating for gradual adjustments like starting with two gym days instead of five. The approach shifts focus from self-judgment to practical questions about what hinders change and what can be adjusted. It emphasizes that interrupting a plan reflects a temporary imbalance between goals and resources, not personal failure, and strategies should adapt as life circumstances evolve.