In a recent coaching group, I asked the women to share what they thought was stopping them from moving forward in life. Their answers were heartfelt and honest—expressing symptoms like procrastination, fear of failure, self-doubt, and feeling overwhelmed. As I listened, I couldn’t help but sense there was something deeper lurking beneath these surface issues. While these symptoms were real and valid, they seemed to be reflections of deeper root causes that were not yet being addressed.
I gently encouraged the group to take time during the week to reflect and pray about what might be at the root of what’s truly holding them back. It’s not always easy to look beyond the surface, but doing so is essential for real, lasting transformation.
Symptoms vs. Roots: The Difference
It’s common to focus on symptoms when we’re struggling. Procrastination, for instance, might seem like the issue, but beneath it could lie a fear of failure or perfectionism. Feeling overwhelmed might actually stem from an unspoken need for control or a fear of vulnerability. These surface-level challenges are like the visible tip of an iceberg, while the deeper root causes remain hidden below the waterline.
This is where true growth begins—not by simply managing the symptoms but by digging deeper to uncover and address the roots of our struggles.
Why It’s Important to Address the Root Causes
Scientific Insights
Psychology and neuroscience consistently show that symptoms are often driven by deeper, unresolved issues. For example:
Unresolved Trauma: Past experiences can shape how we respond to current challenges. Without addressing these, we remain stuck in survival patterns.
Limiting Beliefs: Beliefs like “I’m not good enough” can silently drive behaviours like avoidance or self-sabotage, even when we’re not consciously aware of them.
Brain Patterns: The brain forms habits around these beliefs, creating entrenched behaviours. Tackling the root rewires these neural pathways, allowing for new, healthier patterns to emerge.
Biblical Wisdom
Scripture also emphasizes the importance of addressing what lies beneath the surface:
Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts because everything flows from it. If our hearts are weighed down by unresolved issues, our actions will reflect that burden.
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 13 about the parable of the sower shows us that good fruit can only grow in good soil—soil that has been prepared, nurtured, and tended to at the root level.
By addressing the root, we not only heal what’s broken but also align ourselves with God’s plan for abundant life.
How to Discover the Root Causes
Reflection and Prayer
Taking time to reflect and pray is a powerful way to uncover deeper issues. Ask yourself:
What patterns do I notice in my life?
What fears or beliefs might be driving these patterns?
Is there a memory or experience that I haven’t fully processed or healed from?
Pray for insight and clarity, asking God to reveal what’s hidden and to guide you in addressing it. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Practical Tools
Journaling: Writing down thoughts and emotions can help bring hidden issues to the surface.
Seeking Support: Sometimes, the roots are too deep for us to uncover alone. Talking with a trusted coach, mentor, or counsellor can help you navigate the process.
Community: Sharing with a supportive group can provide fresh perspectives and encouragement.
The Freedom of Root-Level Healing
When we take the time to address the root, we open the door to freedom and transformation. The things that once held us back lose their power, and we begin to step into the life God intended for us.
This week, I encouraged the women in my group to look beyond their symptoms and spend time in reflection and prayer. If you’re reading this and feel stuck, I invite you to do the same. Take the time to look deeper, trust the process, and know that lasting change is possible when you address the heart of the matter.
Dealing with the root cause of what prevents us from moving forward, rather than just addressing the symptoms, is vital because it ensures lasting transformation and avoids recurring issues. Here are some more scientific principles and biblical teachings highlighting this importance:
Scientific Perspective
The Iceberg Theory (Psychology) Psychologists often use the iceberg analogy: visible symptoms (e.g., procrastination, fear, or lack of confidence) are like the tip of the iceberg, while the root causes (e.g., past trauma, limiting beliefs, or unmet needs) lie beneath the surface. Addressing only the symptoms is like chipping away at the visible ice without tackling the submerged mass—it doesn’t resolve the deeper issues, which will continue to influence behaviour.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT emphasizes identifying and addressing the underlying thought patterns and beliefs that drive negative emotions and behaviors. Research shows that treating root causes, such as distorted thinking or unresolved emotional wounds, leads to long-term improvement in mental health, whereas focusing solely on symptoms often results in temporary relief.
Neuroscience and Habit Formation The brain's neural pathways are shaped by repeated behaviours and experiences. When addressing only symptoms, these pathways remain intact, leading to relapse or recurring challenges. Tackling the root cause rewires the brain, enabling sustainable change. For example, fear of failure might manifest as avoidance, but dealing with the root fear helps break the cycle entirely.
Biblical Perspective
The Heart as the Source (Proverbs 4:23) "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. "This verse highlights that the root of our actions stems from the heart—our inner thoughts, desires, and motivations. Addressing symptoms without transforming the heart means the same issues will resurface.
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) Jesus compares growth to seeds planted in different types of soil. Only seeds planted in good soil—where the conditions are right at the root level—flourish. Superficial fixes (like addressing external behaviour without inner change) are akin to seeds falling on rocky ground, which may sprout briefly but quickly wither.
Removing Sin at Its Root (Matthew 5:29-30) Jesus teaches radical action to eliminate sin at its source, saying, "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out." While not literal, this demonstrates the need to address the root problem rather than allowing surface-level issues to persist.
Healing the Whole Person (Mark 2:5-12) When Jesus healed the paralyzed man, He first addressed his spiritual state by forgiving his sins, then healed his physical condition. This underscores the importance of holistic healing, starting with the root cause.
Practical Implications
Sustainable Transformation: Whether in mental health, relationships, or spiritual growth, addressing root causes creates enduring change and frees us from cycles of struggle.
Avoiding Burnout: Symptom management can drain energy without resolving the underlying issues, leading to frustration and stagnation.
Spiritual Growth: By allowing God to work on the deeper issues of our heart, we align ourselves with His purpose, experiencing true freedom (John 8:36).
The Freedom of Root-Level Healing
When we take the time to address the root, we open the door to freedom and transformation. The things that once held us back lose their power, and we begin to step into the life God intended for us.
This week, I encouraged the women in my group to look beyond their symptoms and spend time in reflection and prayer. If you’re reading this and feel stuck, I invite you to do the same. Take the time to look deeper, trust the process, and know that lasting change is possible when you address the heart of the matter.
In conclusion, focusing on root causes—scientifically and biblically—allows us to experience genuine and lasting growth, healing, and transformation.
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