“Change is never painful. Only the resistance to change is painful.” – The Buddha.
Resistance to change is an issue that we face as humans on an individual level and at an organizational level. Resistance to change can be seen in the form of procrastination, hostility, frustration, and can affect our success in the long run. We, as humans also make a number of excuses for our resistance such as “this is how I have always been” or “I like it that way” or even “my family has always done it this way”. Here are a few reasons why people show resistance to change and how you can navigate your way around resistance to change:
Lack of awareness: If you are unaware of the need for change, and has created a norm or a particular way of doing things, it is likely that you will resist change. Hence, it is important that people are self – aware of their personality and their behavior patterns.
Uncertainty: Uncertainty is a huge cause of resistance to change as people are afraid of the unknown factor in the future. People may hesitate to make a change in their lives if they fear the unknown. Change is only made in lives when we are forced or if continuing to live the same way seems impossible or a threat to us. It is wise to do your research if you fear the unknown and would like to make a change in your life.
Lack of skill and knowledge: Sometimes lack of skill, knowledge and experience can create fear in the minds of individuals who are resistant to change. This is a genuine fear and, in such cases, it is best to get the help of an expert.
Belief system: Some believe the way they do things is the best and right way to do. Even if things are not going right, unless there is an intervention, they may not change what they believe in. Again, only a professional can give an insight into the belief system and manifest a change, if needed.
Routines: We love our routines and would not like anything that disrupts it. It takes a lot of effort to change these routines but with a little motivation and endurance, it is possible.
If you feel you would like to learn more about yourself or be more aware of your feelings to improve your personal and professional life, please book an intro session with me. I look forward to helping with your personality development and get you the success you need in your personal and professional life.
Hamna Siddique is a career and leadership coach focusing on confidence and personal development.
Email: ha***********@go********.llc. https://hamnasiddique.com/| ©2020 Goldbridge Coaching LLC |All Rights Reserved|
Great points about our resistance to change – it’s so beneficial to get help!
I’m not sure I agree with the Buddha. When we’re young, our bodies actually ache a little as we grow — ergo, “growing pains.” I think that change produces similar aches, just because change is hard. It’s supposed to hurt a little but in a good way.
Great tips – I especially like the belief system notes. A lot of folks get stuck in their ways and have a hard time changing their beliefs about how things should be done. This limiting behavior can really slow down progress, if not halt it entirely.
I definitely resonate with the routines part! We had gotten into a routine with COVID that was only home based. Now my kids have gone back to school after 5 months and getting back into the swing of being ready to get out the door with everything ready to go (lunches, backpacks, extra clothes and shoes, rain gear and masks) has been a huge change to our routine. It is taking extra time and lots of extra reminders to make it out the door on time!