A devotional reflection with an illustrative everyday example; not empirical research.
Verse (Roman transliteration)
Guravam Praaptam Idam Vacho,
Saaram Imam Bhaja Govindam
Yo Jnaatvaatmaanam Svaatmaanam,
Sa Mukto Bhavati Naatra Samshayah
Translation
These words have come from the Guru's wisdom. The essence is: seek Govinda. One who knows the Self by the Self is liberated — there is no doubt about this.
The teaching
Shankara returns to the refrain — Bhaja Govindam — now framing it as the essence of all teaching. After all the analysis, all the dismantling of illusions, all the practical prescriptions, the message resolves into this simple imperative. And the liberating truth is stated without qualification: self-knowledge is freedom.
Living this today
Illustrative example: Before accepting a commitment, ask which value it serves and what you would be setting aside. The answer may remain uncertain; noticing the trade-off is already useful.