“You cannot change what you refuse to confront” – Unknown

Resistance

We face it everyday. When we set new resolutions, trying to eat healthier, getting ourselves to workout…

It feels like an inner battle between good and evil. If only we could do everything we set our minds to!

But it’s not that simple. It’s not just black or white

When faced with resistance, our first instinct would be to ignore and push through. But it won’t do much in the long run. It’s like putting a bandaid which doesn’t lead to any resolution.

Start recognizing when it shows up and digging to understand why it’s there

When there is resistance, there is a reason

For example, I noticed so much inner resistance when it came to putting myself in front of a camera.

That resistance translated to physical symptoms where I would noticed my chest getting tighter and my shoulders would rise up.

Why was it there?

In this case, it was fear of making myself seen. I’m an introvert, I enjoy being behind the scenes. I like to observe and create things.

Being seen means I’m no longer in the background, I’m out there. (Kind of like the moment when you’re sitting in a circle and you’re asked to introduce yourself. It’s like a ticking bomb as it reaches my turn – what do I say? How can i make it fast and non awkward? 🙅🏻‍♀️)

Look, being comfortable is good. But notice if it’s you taking care of yourself vs. fear disguised as comfort

So in this scenario I knew that if I want to serve, I can’t deliver my message by hiding behind the scenes. I can’t empower and guide when I’m not ready to be vulnerable and put myself out there.

“What people think of you is none of your business” I recognized my fear, acknowledged and thanked it for trying to protect me, but I’ve got this. So that’s how I managed to step to the other side.

The fear is still there but by acknowledging it, I’ve been able to understand myself a little better and work with myself instead of against.

Taking care of yourself isn’t complicated, it just requires a little bit more of mindfulness!

So now it’s your turn

Here are some easy exercises to recognize when there’s resistance and a worksheet to help you dig a little deeper:

1. Notice: How do you feel? Is your body tight anywhere? (Sometimes resistance manifests through physical symptoms like shortness of breath, tightness somewhere, dizziness)
2. Now that you’ve recognize resistance, take a step back and identify what kind it is: A survival instinct? Are you in danger? OR it’s an internal resistance? An excuse?
3. Dig a little deeper: Why is it here? How is it serving you? What is the worst that could happen? Why is it scary? Would accomplishing your goal be worth it?
4. Understand your motivation: Take a further step back, what is that thing/goal/habit you set to do in the first place? Why do you want to accomplish that? Understanding your motivations can help you understand your resistance