
Resisting Change Blocks Your Growth
Dec 15, 2024Read time: 4 minutes
Last weekend, we moved—from our apartment to a townhome.
As we were packing, though I was excited for this next chapter, I was quiet.
Alexius asked what was wrong, and I said, “Well, you know how I feel sometimes when things change...”
I’m sharing this simple example to let you know—I get it. I still struggle with resisting change. Whether it’s moving, quitting a job, or stepping into something new, it can feel uncomfortable and uncertain. Plus, it’s tempting to trust that voice telling you to stay where it’s safe.
But here’s the hard truth: resisting change holds you back. It keeps you stuck in the same patterns, missing opportunities, and prevents you from growing into the person you’re meant to be.
When we cling to what’s familiar, we close the door on what’s possible.
If this resonates with you, I want you to become aware of this problem so you can start embracing change instead of fighting it.
Let’s talk about how to make that shift.
The Hidden Cost of Resisting Change
Resisting change may feel safe in the moment, but in reality, it’s keeping you stuck. When you resist change, you’re not just avoiding discomfort—you’re hindering your own growth.
Think about it: when you cling to what’s familiar, you’re sacrificing future opportunities for the comfort of what you know. It might feel reassuring now, but in the long run, staying in your comfort zone means missing out on new possibilities.
But the cost of staying stuck is more than just lost time. It’s missed chances for growth, fresh experiences, and deeper connections.
You might feel frustrated, stagnant, or unfulfilled—and sometimes, that happens without even realizing it.
“I know, I know. But change can feel so scary.”
I agree. I’ll be the first in line to co-sign these feelings you’re experiencing. After all, a year ago, I quit my corporate job (with a wife and a one-year-old) to pursue something new and more meaningful.
So yeah—change can feel terrifying. There’s no denying it. The uncertainty, the unknown, the fear of the potential failure—it’s all valid.
But here’s the thing: while fear is natural, it doesn’t have to be the enemy. Instead of viewing it as a wall, think of fear as a signal that you’re about to step outside your comfort zone and, most likely, grow.
What if, instead of freezing in fear, you saw it as an opportunity?
Fear is often just False Evidence Appearing Real (F.E.A.R.). It’s the mind’s way of creating stories about worst-case scenarios. But what if you decided to Face Everything And Rise (F.E.A.R.) instead?
Once you reframe fear like that, it no longer feels so intimidating. You’re no longer paralyzed by uncertainty—instead, you’re ready to step into what’s next.
Here’s how.
Start Small: The 5-Minute Test
Change doesn’t have to be massive to be impactful. I recommend starting small. Try the 5-Minute Test.
Pick one area of your life where you’ve been resisting change. It could be your career, a relationship, or a personal habit. Now, spend just five minutes taking action in that area. Write a quick email, set a small goal, or even make a plan for how you’ll approach it.
The key is to start. Don’t focus on making everything perfect. Just make the first step intentional.
The goal is to take a small action that breaks the cycle of resistance.
And watch—it’s incredible how a small commitment can shift your mindset and help you feel less overwhelmed.
Five minutes isn’t too much to ask, right? But in those five minutes, you’ll create momentum, and momentum leads to more action.
Recognizing the Cost of Inaction
Every time we connect and talk, whether through email, social media, or inside Clarity Lab, my goal is to give you something tangible and tactical that you can take away and use to move forward on your journey.
So here’s a simple, yet powerful exercise: Take a moment and write down what you’re losing by staying stuck.
What is it costing you if you don’t embrace change? It might be:
- New opportunities for career growth
- The freedom to build deeper, more meaningful relationships
- A sense of fulfillment from following your true passions
What are you holding onto by resisting change? Write it down and sit with it. The more aware you become of the cost, the easier it’ll be to take that first step.
The Bottom Line
The hardest part is often the first step. But once you take it, you’ll start building momentum. To make this shift stick, start integrating small changes into your routine. Don’t wait for everything to align perfectly—just take one step, then another.
The key is consistency. Small, intentional actions compound over time, leading to big transformations.
Start by setting aside five minutes every day to take action on something you’ve been resisting. Maybe it’s reading a book that’s aligned with your goals, reaching out to someone you’ve been meaning to connect with, or decluttering that pile of stuff you’ve walked past for the last several weeks.
Whatever the action is, these small changes will eventually lead to bigger shifts.
The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll get with change, and soon, embracing it will become second nature.
Don’t block your growth, my friend.
See you next Sunday!
Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help:
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