We all tend to fall into the same cognitive trap: we judge ourselves by our inner intentions, but the world can only judge us by our outward actions.

The friction you mentioned regarding emotional resistance could be the real bottleneck. It is rarely a lack of knowing what to do; it is the fear of stepping out of the ‘character’ we have grown comfortable with, even if that character no longer serves us. Life goes on, and perhaps these reflections will fade with time.