Resistance to change: 10 keys to overcome it

Change is a process that is closely associated with adaptation from the human being to the environment, which is known as evolutionary change. However, the change is not only biological (for example, when the years go by and we notice the changes in our body), but it can also occur on a psychological level. In this sense, it is linked to personal development.

On a personal level, change has the characteristic that it depends on ourselves, that is, that we can carry out a series of actions and we can transform our attitude to promote our personal growth.

However, our mind, which at other times can be our best ally, can also play tricks on us and resist change. It is what is known as resistance to change, which occurs both on a personal and organizational level.

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How to overcome resistance to change

Because it is an individual and personal process, no one can change another person if they do not want to change. Personal transformation requires self-reflection, self-awareness, setting clear and realistic goals, spending time and energy, and obviously requires will.

Since change is not easy, below you can find a list of recommendations to overcome resistance to change.

1. Be self-aware and know yourself

A person who is not able to visualize the change is unable to transform his life. This is why you need to be aware of the benefits of changing.

Likewise, knowing yourself and knowing what your needs, desires, emotions and thoughts are is also important to carry out the change process. Resisting change has a lot to do with one's own beliefs about life and also with self-confidence. Knowing where you are and where you want to go is the first step to change.

2. Eliminate limiting beliefs

When someone knows himself and goes through a process of self-reflection, may detect limiting and debilitating beliefs that prevent you from moving forward. It is these beliefs that prevent us from changing, that is, resisting change. For example, we may want to change careers but may feel like a failure thinking that others They will criticize if we choose that option, or we may even think that we are weak or unworthy and respected.

In reality, making a decision of this caliber is only suitable for brave people. Detecting limiting beliefs first and eliminating them later is necessary to overcome resistance to change.

3. Get out of your comfort zone and put yourself to the test

Resisting change has a lot to do with not wanting to leave the comfort zone, with wanting to stay in that place that is comfortable for us, where we don't have to face our fears. And it is that changing requires facing uncertainty, and this can make us feel insecure and even anxious. Overcoming the fear of uncertainty is necessary to slam resistance to change.

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4. Improve self-confidence

The perception of self-efficacy or self-confidence are the beliefs we have about our ability to carry out certain tasks. Having low self-confidence means that we will resist change, in the sense that we will not be able to carry it out; we will feel insecure in the face of problems, even if they have a relatively easy solution. Change is not easy, and if we do not have enough confidence in ourselves, it will be difficult to move on when things get complicated.

5. Set realistic goals

Resisting change also has to do with not being able to envision the future and the rewards of changing. Setting goals is really motivating and is the best way to overcome this resistance. Now, the objectives must be clear and realistic, otherwise, we can throw in the towel ahead of time.

6. Open up to change

Change has a lot to do with a person's attitude, because it can hardly be changed if the person does not have the will to do so. Wanting to change is not verbalizing that we want to transform our life (which is known as false self-confidence), but to be on the move and take small steps to achieve what we want.

7. Plan the change

As mentioned, being aware of where we are is important to know our starting point and the place we want to go. It has also been commented that it is necessary to visualize the objectives we want to pursue, as it is motivating. However, it is also good to avoid resistance to change, to plan this change and our transformation. This allows you to stay motivated in the medium and long term. Having very distant goals can motivate us at a certain time, but not on a day-to-day basis.

8. Take responsibility

Resistance to change can occur because the person does not take responsibility for the problems and prefers to avoid them or look for the causes of them outside, that is, blaming others for their mistakes. It's easier to do this and wait for things to change on their own. Well, this rarely happens, so to change you need to empower yourself and take responsibility for the transformation.

9. Give up the victimhood

Not taking responsibility can also lead to a victimizing attitude. Again, this behavior is avoidant, in other words, andIt's a resistance or a denial. Victimism prevents change and is a behavior that leads to resistance to change. Taking responsibility is also abandoning victimhood.

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10. See an expert in personal or organizational development

Sometimes, following the previous steps has no effect, and it is necessary to seek professional help to improve our Emotional intelligence, our self-confidence, educate us to know ourselves better and plan clear and realistic objectives, etc. The coaches and the positive psychologists They are experts in personal development and therefore can help us overcome resistance to change. Putting yourself in good hands is key to overcoming resistance to change,