Many folks would love to learn how to manage resistance to change. Even that being the case, many are confronted with even resisting how to manage the resistance.
This may seem quite bewildering given the fact that change is a constant in this world. But what is not bewildering is the power of resistance. Let’s explore this so we can get to the root cause of this challenging situation.
How to Manage Resistance to Change with a Clear Perspective
“Our whole life is set up in the path of least resistance. We don’t want to suffer. We don’t want to feel discomfort. So the whole time, we’re living our lives in a very comfortable area. There’s no growth in that.” — David Goggins —
Clarity is necessary to unravel this resistance. A clear understanding of how this all came about is needed so that we can discover how to manage and eventually eliminate the resistance to change.
Any resistance to change is based on fear and the belief that we are not good enough. We doubt our capacity to break free and excel.
Basically, we are afraid that things will get worse if we attempt to make any constructive changes. ,
Anytime we attempt to move beyond the boundaries of our comfort zone,, there is resistance as the fear of the unknown kicks in. This should not be surprising at all because our routines may not be beneficial to our overall well-being but they are familiar and safe.
So once we gain some clarity, the choice is between our perceived safety and excelling. We at least have to see things as they truly are to know how to manage resistance to change.
The Next Step
“Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.” — William James —
Once we gain some clarity and are consciously willing to admit that things aren’t as comfortable as we pretend they are, we can then manage this resistance by making small, conscious choices in the direction of what we desire. Small steps are necessary so we don’t get immediately frightened and run back to the comfort of our status quo.
Once we get used to allowing our feelings to be what they are as we make each small step, we will have broken the inertia to staying put. Then, we can continue to slowly proceed forward and gain some momentum in our desired direction.
Once this momentum is gained, there is no turning back because we will witness the effects of a change of attitude and mindset. Little by little, it will dawn on us, as our awareness increases, that we have been in charge all along, and it was this resistance that was getting in our way.
Now, it is time to recognize this barrier, manage it for a while, and then eliminate it. This requires increased awareness by changing our focus to what we fear most. We fear a loss of identity if we uncover the true cause of our resistance.
The Invisible Barrier to Change
“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” — Heen Keller —
How can we make changes and overcome any resistance when we are not even aware of what is holding us back? The resistance seems to pop up from nowhere.
That’s why it’s essential to take small steps at first, as the resistance/fear will not be too strong to proceed. But now we are talking about getting to the core or cause of this resistance. That is the only way to move past merely managing it to eliminating it once and for all.
It’s not like this cause is buried deep within our subconscious and hard to access. It is the exact opposite. It is actually staring us right in the face, but we are looking in the opposite direction.
We think what we perceive is controlling us, so all our attention is without. Once we turn our attention paper-thin, we are then positioned to manage our focus and create the awareness that will identify the true source of our resistance.
This is an invisible barrier so paper-thin that it is ridiculous that it is what is preventing us from experiencing our authentic selves. Once this barrier is eliminated, it is merely a common sense choice to make whatever changes are needed to move us in our desired direction.
How to Manage Resistance to Change Harmoniously
“The life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, is the easiest type of existence.”
Let’s do this in a harmonious fashion since even though there is nothing to fear, the illusion is still in place. The power of belief is strong, so it is easy to fear nothing at all.
Doing this harmoniously involves open communication, empathy, active listening, and total honesty. By acknowledging our individual concerns we validate our feelings and create a supportive environment.
Once we are invested in the outcome, we clearly see the benefits of change and understand that it is both necessary and possible. We then truly desire to make whatever changes are necessary to benefit ourselves and others.
We can then ease into the transition by being adaptable and celebrating small wins along the way. As the momentum grows, we continually reinforce our positive attitudes to change.
Discovering Core Beliefs
“I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.” — Bertrand Russell —
The interesting thing is that we really don’t realize how powerful our beliefs really are. Whether they are based on truth or illusion makes no difference because they are powered by the same energetic framework.
It is fascinating what lengths we will go to protect our beliefs. This is what keeps us imprisoned and unable to break the resistance. When we want to know how to manage resistance to change, we need look no further than our belief system.
That’s why gaining our freedom is an “undoing” process as our perception is based on a mixed bag of ideas, only some of which are true. It is as if we are rolling the dice with each decision we make.
Once we clear things up a bit, we will be able to better manage our resistance to change, and when we remove our limiting beliefs and gain a full awareness with correct perception, we will have eliminated our resistance to change.
We discover our core, limiting beliefs by paying attention to how we think and feel and make note of the persistent thoughts and feelings. These will lead us to those beliefs that we have not fully examined because we did not doubt their veracity.
This requires persistence and patience, but it is well worth the time spent. It’s all about regaining our freedom.
Taking How to Manage Resistance to Change Seriously
“Your mindset matters. It affects everything – from the business and investment decisions you make, to the way you raise your children, to your stress levels and overall well-being.”
This is all about a change of mindset, a paradigm shift. Getting started is the greatest challenge because we are set in our ways, and we believe what we tell ourselves.
Once we begin this shift, we soon discover there is another part of ourselves that we have neglected. This is the much smarter part of our makeup.
It is so easy to blow this off as we are busy and have other things to do. This paradigm shift will not occur until there is a burning desire to make the changes necessary to live a free and abundant life.
Once we are clear on what we truly desire and why we desire it, we will gain the needed clarity to recognize resistance for what it is and appreciate the “gift” it presents. With this increased awareness, we will identify our limiting beliefs and then replace these lies with empowering beliefs based on the truth.
Let’s take this opportunity to understand how to manage resistance to change and ultimately eliminate all resistance. We can then move forward without restraint in fulfilling the function we are destined to complete while enjoying a free and abundant existence.
In Peace and Love,
Joseph William
Hello Joseph!
This is such an insightful article on managing resistance to change! It’s so true that our mindset plays a huge role in how we handle transitions, whether in business, personal growth, or even daily routines. I really liked the emphasis on self-awareness and embracing change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
One thing I’ve found helpful in overcoming resistance is breaking big changes into smaller, manageable steps—it makes the process feel less overwhelming. Do you have any personal strategies or mindset shifts that have helped you adapt to change more easily? Thanks for sharing such valuable advice!
Angela M 🙂
Thanks for your thoughts and comments, Angela. Much appreciated. By staying in the present moment we can manage change more easily as well as what you mentioned about taking small steps and allowing the momentum to build.
Hi Joseph
A very thoughtful piece. I think you hit the nail on the head in regards to the importance of mindset in managing resistance to change. Our belief systems can be so strong that we may not even realize we are busy resisting managing resistance to change. I guess the box of our belief system comfort zone is so easy to slip back into we are not always aware that our own belief system will keep finding ways to get us back inside that box. I’ve been in many change management situations in my working career and even though I knew the theory well, and had successfully managed tricky changes on previous occasions I would often forget that the first thing I had to change was my own approach and my own beliefs about what the problem was and what needed to change. Once I had pushed myself through that hurdle then bringing others along was easier. Thanks again for your thoughtful article.
Best
Andy
Thanks so much, Andy, for your thoughts and comments. All the Best, Joseph
Hi Joseph, great angle to look at the resistance to change! For most of us, it’s the unknown, the doulbt and the negativity that surrounds us which contributes to our resistance to make that leap! It’s believing and seeing beyond the barrier, and having faith it will be a good change, and necessary to move forward! Hence taking action!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and possibly opening up doors for those to take that plunge!
Julia.😊
Thanks, Julia. Much appreciated. Joseph
Hi Joseph,
Thank you for sharing such an important and inspirational article.
Change is very difficult if you do not help your people to grow and develop.
If you want to help your people, you must add value to them.
To add value to them, you need to help them become more valuable.
When adding value to your people, you are influencing them.
When you are influencing your people, you are leading them.
Highly effective leaders increase their influence with their people, every day.
You will come up against obstacles, resistance, and challenges with your people every day.
It is up to you to overcome those obstacles.
There is not only one style of leadership. There are many styles and they need to be practiced with people every day.
Leadership is extremely hard work, and the earlier you realise this, the better it will be for you and for your team.
Thank you for sharing and keep up the amazing work you do.
All the best,
Tom
Thanks, Tom. I appreciate your thoughts and comments very much. Best, Joseph