We’ve all been there. Knowing all the things that we need and want to get done, but just unable to move forward toward the action of doing them. No real reason. We’re just stuck. Perhaps we have the energy to clean the garage, or to clean out the refrigerator, but we just aren’t able to do a simple meditation or we’re unable to make that phone call that we’ve been avoiding for days.
Or maybe it’s just no motivation to do anything at all. We catch ourselves just randomly scrolling Facebook or mindlessly watching videos on YouTube.
We all have periods of resistance; those times when we just can’t figure out how to get ourselves going. But where do they come from? And how do we move through them and get to the other side?
Our brain is wired to avoid anything that is uncomfortable and to interpret it as dangerous. So if something feels uncomfortable, unknown, or unfamiliar our brain is hard wired to stop, turn around, or resist doing it.
Creating new habits, like adding a meditation or breathwork practice, or beginning a journaling practice, feels uncomfortable so it’s understandable that we may experience some resistance. Any new behavior or challenge has a certain amount of unknowns or unfamiliar territory. No matter how small, it has the potential to lead to resistance, second guessing, and avoidance.
This resistance could take the form of
*procrastination
*distraction
*sudden confusion or fatigue (or other physical or emotional symptoms)
*beginning but unable to complete the task
*feelings of overwhelm
So how do we move through resistance and create those new habits and behaviors that we really do want to include in our day?
1. Take baby steps. By starting small, we’re able to make progress without triggering the limbic system (the brain’s fight/flight system). This keeps the brain interested and enjoying the process of learning something new.
2. Lots of celebrations for every little victory along the way! The brain repeats what gets celebrated!
3. Use compassionate self-talk and gentle guidance. Pushing and forcing ourself in order to accomplish a goal only reinforces the brain’s negative association with the task.
4. Borrow someone else’s encouragement and resilience. Connect with a coach, a good friend, or a community to build motivation and inspiration.
Resistance is just the brain’s way of working to keep you safe from the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the uncomfortable. It’s to be expected when we take on any new habit or behavior. They key is having the tools to move through it and get back on track.
If you’re feeling stuck, feel free to get in touch I offer a free discovery call here and would love to meet with you.