Change Is Part of Life. So Why Do We Resist?

Human nature loves stability. We thrive in familiar routines and predictable environments. Yet, the irony is that change is one of the few constants in life. Everything around us—and within us—is in a perpetual state of flux. Still, we often resist it, especially when we’re striving to grow or succeed in our personal or professional lives.

This resistance isn’t just frustrating; it can feel paralyzing. But what if we stopped fighting change and started seeing it for what it truly is: an opportunity?

The Reality of Change

Think about it—our own bodies are evidence of change happening every moment. Every day, millions of new cells form within us. Babies, for example, experience an incredible transformation from birth to age five. Change is natural, inevitable, and often, unstoppable.

And yet, as adults, we resist it. We cling to the known, even when the unknown might bring something better. Why?

Why We Resist

Resistance to change often stems from fear—fear of losing our identity, our way of life, or our sense of control. Sometimes, the threat is real. Other times, it’s only a perception. But as long as we believe there’s a threat, our instinct is to resist.

The key isn’t to eliminate resistance. Instead, it’s about becoming aware of it. Ask yourself:

• Why am I feeling this way?
• What about this change feels threatening?
• How can I move past this resistance to grow?

Resistance as a Tool

Here’s a shift in perspective: what if you viewed resistance not as a barrier, but as a diagnostic tool? Resistance is your mind’s way of saying, “Something feels off.” It’s a signal to pause, reflect, and evaluate.

When you take the time to understand your resistance, you might uncover valuable insights about what’s happening in your inner and outer worlds. This awareness is the first step toward making meaningful changes.

The Courage to Take a Risk

Change can feel uncomfortable—uncertain, even risky. But without it, we’d never grow or discover new possibilities.

When my husband and I decided to leave our home country and move to the United States with our three teenagers, resistance showed up in full force. We faced a long list of unknowns:

• Speaking a new language daily
• Building new friendships
• Finding jobs
• Adjusting to a new culture

It wasn’t easy, but the rewards far outweighed the discomfort. Our decision brought incredible growth, blessings, and opportunities we never could have imagined.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure

For many, the fear of change isn’t about the unknown—it’s about the possibility of failing. But here’s the truth: failure is part of life. It’s how we learn, adapt, and eventually succeed.

We all feel hesitant when facing new challenges or embracing a different identity. That’s normal. The key is to remind yourself that every change, no matter how stressful, is temporary. Like everything else in life, “this too shall pass.”

Your Turn

Change is as essential as the air we breathe, yet it can be one of the hardest things to accept. If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:

• What challenges around change am I facing in my relationships or family?
• What’s really holding me back?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—share them with me, and I promise to reply. Let’s navigate this journey of change together.

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