Overcoming Resistance to Change

“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” – Gail Sheehy

Change. Sometimes we welcome it with excitement—like meeting our soulmate, landing a dream job, or experiencing a breakthrough in health. Other times, change feels unsettling—like breaking a habit, navigating unexpected shifts at work, or stepping into the unknown outside our comfort zone.

But here’s the truth: resisting change doesn’t stop it from happening. We’ve all seen what happens to people, businesses, and ideas that refuse to evolve. Think about Blockbuster vs. Netflix—one clung to the old way of doing things, while the other embraced innovation and transformation. The result? One is long gone, and the other is thriving.

So, what about you?

Maybe deep down, you recognize it’s time to stop resisting change in your life. You’re ready to let go of the fear of failure, fear of judgment, or self-doubt that keeps you stuck. You want to stop procrastinating, making excuses, and self-sabotaging.

But how do you actually move forward?

7 Strategies to Overcome Resistance to Change

1. Reframe Your Mindset

Instead of seeing change as something to fear, start viewing it as an opportunity for growth. Every transformation—even the uncomfortable ones—brings valuable lessons and new possibilities.

2. Identify Your “Why”

What’s the deeper reason for making this change? Whether it’s for better health, financial freedom, or personal fulfillment, anchoring yourself to a meaningful “why” makes it easier to push through resistance.

3. Start Small

Big changes can feel overwhelming, which often leads to avoidance. Instead, use the Tiny Habits approach—commit to one small action at a time. Small, consistent steps create momentum.

4. Use Visualization

Picture yourself on the other side of change—confident, successful, and thriving. Your brain responds to mental imagery, so the more you see yourself succeeding, the easier it becomes to take action.

5. Shift Focus to Progress, Not Perfection

Perfectionism often fuels resistance. Instead of aiming for flawless execution, celebrate small wins along the way. Progress, no matter how small, builds confidence and motivation.

6. Practice EFT Tapping

Emotional resistance is real. If fears, doubts, or limiting beliefs are holding you back, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Tapping can help release them. It’s a powerful tool to rewire your mindset and break free from emotional blocks.

7. Let Go of the Outcome

Not everything will go exactly as planned—and that’s okay. Instead of clinging to a specific result, embrace the journey. Focus on growth, learning, and becoming the kind of person who thrives in change.

Your Next Step

Think about a change you’ve been resisting. What’s really holding you back? What is this resistance showing you?

Take a few moments to reflect. Journaling about your fears, thoughts, and emotions can bring clarity. And if you’re ready to work through the resistance, tap along with me in my video “Resistance to Change” on YouTube to start shifting your mindset today.