Overcoming Resistance
How to Keep Moving Forward on Your Path
After a long break and added clarity on where I’d like to journey next, WE’RE BACK! It’s time to dive into a topic that is critical to understand in order to progress through and reach your goals. I hope you enjoy!
As we settle into the first month of the year, it's the perfect time to reaffirm the intentions we set as the year opened and to add more fuel to the fire that drives us towards bringing our vision to life. But as we move forward, it's not uncommon to encounter resistance—that subtle (or not-so-subtle) force that can make us question our path, delay our progress, or even tempt us to turn back to old habits that no longer serve us.
Resistance is a natural part of growth and expansion. It shows up in many forms—self-doubt, procrastination, fear of failure, or the need for perfection. While it may feel like an obstacle, resistance is actually a sign that you're stepping outside your comfort zone and moving into new, uncharted territory. Recognizing this truth can empower you to overcome it and continue progressing towards your goals.
Understanding Resistance
Resistance often appears when we're in the process of transformation. It manifests in ways that can feel frustrating or discouraging:
Perfectionism: The belief that everything must be flawless before we can proceed.
Fear: Worries about failure or not being good enough.
Distractions: Constant busyness that pulls us away from our true priorities.
Self-Doubt: That inner voice questioning if we're really capable of achieving our goals.
When we recognize resistance for what it is—a natural response to change—we can shift our mindset and choose to move forward with confidence and intention.
Letting Go of Perfection
One of the most significant barriers resistance creates is the pursuit of perfection. The idea that everything needs to be just right before we take the next step can leave us feeling stuck and stagnant. But the truth is, growth happens in the moments where we show up, even when things feel messy or uncertain. Progress, not perfection, is what leads to long-term success.
Practical Ways to Overcome Resistance
Name It: Acknowledge where resistance is showing up in your life. Are you delaying action due to fear of failure? Are you stuck in analysis paralysis? Identifying it is the first step to overcoming it.
Simplify Your Next Step: Break your goals down into small, manageable actions. Taking one small step at a time allows you to move forward without feeling overwhelmed.
Embrace Imperfection: Remind yourself that growth is an evolving process. Taking imperfect action is better than waiting for the perfect moment that may never come.
Create Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or community who can help keep you accountable and encourage you through moments of doubt.
Reaffirm Your Why: When resistance feels heavy, revisit your purpose and the vision that inspired you in the first place. Reconnecting with your 'why' can reignite your motivation.
Moving Through Resistance
Instead of seeing resistance as a roadblock, view it as a signpost that you're moving in the right direction. Resistance means you're growing, stretching, and becoming the person capable of achieving your goals.
Where do you feel the most resistance right now in your journey? What is one small action you can take today to move through it? Success isn't about never facing resistance; it's about recognizing it, reframing it, and continuing forward despite it. Trust the process, be kind to yourself, and remember that every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.
Keep showing up, keep moving forward, and most importantly, keep believing in your vision.
