Breaking Through Resistance: The First Step to Living on Purpose
Why You Keep Resisting What You Know You Need to Do
You’ve probably felt it before—the pull to take action, to step into something new, to make a change. Yet, there’s also something else at play. Resistance. That invisible force keeping you stuck, questioning, and hesitating.
Steven Pressfield puts it best in Do the Work:
“Rule of thumb: the more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.”
Maybe it’s a new job, a difficult conversation, a creative passion, or even just putting yourself out there more. You want to do it. But you’re not doing it. Why?
Because resistance isn’t just an obstacle—it’s a signal. It shows up when something truly matters. And for so many men, this is where they get stuck.
What’s Holding You Back?
Let’s get honest: what’s calling you forward right now? And what’s stopping you?
A career change you’ve been considering for years?
Speaking up in relationships or at work?
Learning new skills or taking on challenges that stretch you?
Showing more vulnerability and intimacy?
Pursuing creative passions that excite you?
Taking a leadership role?
If you’ve nodded at any of these, you’re not alone. Resistance is common, and it often disguises itself as fear, self-doubt, or procrastination. But at its core, resistance is just uncertainty.
The good news? You can break through it.
Shifting from Stuck to Action: A Growth Mindset Approach
The key difference between men who stay stuck and those who take action is mindset. More specifically, a growth mindset—the belief that your abilities, confidence, and results can improve with effort.
Here’s how to reframe resistance:
Resistance is a signal, not a stop sign. If you feel it, it means you’re about to step into something important. Instead of seeing it as a wall, see it as a threshold.
Fear and discomfort mean growth is happening. If it feels uncomfortable, that’s a sign you’re stretching beyond old patterns.
Perfection is the enemy of progress. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just take the first step.
Action Steps: Moving Past Resistance
If you’re ready to stop resisting and start moving forward, here are some practical steps:
1. Get Clear on What You Want
What is the outcome you truly desire?
If resistance wasn’t an issue, what would you do today?
What’s at stake if you don’t take action?
2. Break It Down
Big goals create big resistance. Instead of thinking about the entire journey, ask yourself:
What’s the smallest step I can take today?
Can I commit just 10 minutes to this task?
Progress compounds. A small action today leads to momentum tomorrow.
3. Challenge Your Internal Story
Most resistance comes from old narratives:
“I’m not good enough.”
“I don’t have time.”
“I’ll fail.”
These stories aren’t truth; they’re habits of thinking. Challenge them. Replace them with action-focused beliefs:
“I can figure this out.”
“I have time for what matters.”
“Failure is part of learning.”
4. Build Support & Accountability
Growth isn’t a solo journey. Resistance thrives in isolation.
Share your goals with someone who will hold you accountable.
Surround yourself with people who get it and push you forward.
Consider coaching—it provides structure, strategy, and support to keep you moving when resistance shows up.
Resistance & Self-Care: Why Taking Care of Yourself Helps You Take Action
Most men push through life on empty tanks. But breaking resistance isn’t about forcing your way forward—it’s about setting yourself up for success.
Rest matters. Fatigue amplifies fear. Get enough sleep.
Move your body. Physical movement reduces mental resistance.
Fuel yourself well. Your brain and body need proper nutrition to stay sharp.
Create space for reflection. Journaling, meditation, or even just quiet thinking time helps process fears and build clarity.
Ready to Take Action? Coaching Helps You Move Forward
If you’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to push past resistance, coaching gives you the roadmap, the tools, and the accountability to make it happen.
You don’t need to wait for confidence—you just need to start. The resistance will always be there, but so will the breakthroughs on the other side.
Want this? Let’s talk. It’s time.
Ready to take action? Reach out today and start moving forward.
