The Hidden Battle: Understanding and Overcoming Inner Resistance
You're sitting there, staring at your phone or laptop, knowing exactly what you need to do next. Maybe it's sending that email to explore a career change. Perhaps it's finally signing up for those guitar lessons you've been dreaming about. Or possibly, it's having that vulnerable conversation with your partner that's long overdue.
Yet something holds you back. Your finger hovers over the "Send" button. Your browser stays stuck on the music school's homepage. The words remain unspoken.
Sound familiar?
The Universal Challenge of Resistance
Steven Pressfield brilliantly captures this phenomenon in "Do the Work" with his observation: "The more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it."
Think about that for a moment. The things that matter most to us – that would bring us the most growth, fulfillment, and alignment with our true selves – are often the very things we resist most strongly.
Why We Resist What We Most Desire
The paradox of resistance shows up in various ways:
The successful executive who dreams of starting his own business but "never finds the right time"
The talented artist who keeps his work hidden in private folders, always "not quite ready" to share
The dedicated father who knows he needs to prioritize his health but continuously puts it off "until things slow down"
This isn't weakness. It's not laziness. It's a natural human response to change and growth. Understanding this is your first step toward breaking free.
The Hidden Costs of Staying Stuck
When we give in to resistance, we pay a price that goes far beyond the immediate missed opportunity:
Lost potential for meaningful connections and experiences
Diminished self-trust as we repeatedly break promises to ourselves
Growing disconnect between who we are and who we know we could be
Accumulated regret that weighs heavily on our spirit
Signs You're in Resistance's Grip
You find yourself procrastinating on tasks that excite you
You're constantly "preparing" but never quite ready to take action
You create elaborate explanations for why "now isn't the right time"
You feel a mix of anxiety and attraction toward certain goals
Breaking Through: Your Path Forward
1. Acknowledge the Resistance
Start by recognizing that resistance is normal and even helpful – it's often pointing directly at what matters most to you. When you feel that pull-back, ask yourself:
What am I really afraid of here?
What would taking action mean about me and my life?
What's the cost of not moving forward?
2. Start Small, Start Now
Break down your bigger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of "change careers," try:
Updating your LinkedIn profile
Having coffee with someone in your desired field
Taking an online course in your area of interest
3. Build Your Support System
No significant change happens in isolation. Consider:
Finding a mentor who's walked your path
Joining communities of like-minded individuals
Working with a coach who can help navigate the journey
The Role of Professional Support
This is where coaching becomes invaluable. A coach helps you:
Identify patterns of resistance in your life
Develop strategies tailored to your specific challenges
Create accountability that keeps you moving forward
Transform resistance from an obstacle to a compass
Why Coaching Works
Think of resistance like a strong current in a river. Swimming alone against it is exhausting and often futile. A coach acts as both guide and companion, helping you:
Navigate around obstacles rather than fighting them head-on
Build the strength and skills needed for the journey
Stay focused on your destination when distractions arise
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Identify one area where you feel both called and resistant
Write down three small actions you could take this week
Share your intention with someone who will support you
Consider whether professional guidance would accelerate your progress
The Power of Decision
Remember, transformation begins with a single decision – not to eliminate resistance (that's impossible), but to move forward despite it. Every person you admire, every leader you respect, every artist whose work moves you has faced this same battle.
The question isn't whether you'll feel resistance. The question is: what will you do when you feel it?
Are you ready to take control of your inner resistance and step into the life you know you're capable of living? The journey begins with a single step, and that step is available to you right now.
Whether it's through coaching, community support, or your own dedicated practice, the time to start is now. Your future self will thank you for the courage you show today.
Ready to explore how coaching can help you break through resistance and achieve your goals? Let's connect and discuss your unique journey. The path forward is waiting for you.
Remember: The size of your resistance often matches the significance of your calling. Let that be your guide, not your stop sign.
