"Conquering Change: Overcoming Resistance and Embracing the Unknown"

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." - Alan Watts.

Definition of resistance and its importance in personal and social contexts

In physics, resistance refers to the opposition that a material or circuit offers to the flow of electric current. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω) and is a fundamental property of any material or circuit that conducts electricity.

Suppose we want to know the primary mechanism of resistance. In that case, we can understand that it is caused by the interaction between electric charges and the atoms or molecules that make up the material. When an electric current flows through a material, the charges collide with the atoms or molecules, which creates friction and heat. This friction and heat generate an opposing force, or resistance, to the current flow. The resistance of a material or circuit depends on various factors, such as the material's composition, shape, size, and temperature. This is a school-level physics.

In our daily life, there are, and there will be, specific times or time-frames when we face new ideas, imaginations, beliefs, technologies, situations, circumstances and modes of interaction. The very first reaction, most of the time, is harmful. Resistance is the act of opposing or refusing to comply with something.. So this is internal friction, where new things collide with our thought processes and generate a variety of factors, including fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and a desire to maintain the status quo.?

However, in both cases (in physics and personal or social life), excessive resistance can lead to adverse outcomes. In physics, excessive resistance can result in inefficient energy use and potential damage to electrical components. Similarly, extreme resistance can prevent growth and progress in personal or social contexts, stifle innovation, and perpetuate harmful attitudes and behaviours.

Importance of overcoming fear to embrace change

What is fear? Fear is an intense emotion triggered by perceiving a threat, danger, or harm. It is a natural?survival response?that prepares the body for potential risk. Fear can manifest as physical sensations such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling, as well as psychological reactions such as anxiety, dread, and panic.?

Real threats can trigger fear but can also be triggered by perceived threats or situations that are not dangerous. While fear can be a helpful response in some cases, excessive or irrational fear can interfere with daily life and lead to anxiety disorders or phobias.

The psychology of fear and resistance

Fear and resistance are closely related in psychology, as fear is often a primary driver of resistance to change. When faced with a new or unfamiliar situation, the brain's natural response is to perceive it as a threat, triggering the fear response. This can lead to resistance, as individuals may seek to avoid or resist the situation to protect themselves from perceived harm.

Why is the brain’s natural response to perceiving a new or unfamiliar situation as a threat?

We must conceptualise different brain parts' fundamental anatomy and essential functions to understand this concept. Imagine that your brain is like a house with three other floors. The bottom floor is called the "survival brain" or the "reptilian brain." It's like the house's basement, where your basic survival instincts live. This part of your brain helps you breathe, keep your heart beating, and stay alive in dangerous situations.

The middle floor of the brain is called the "emotional brain" or the "limbic system." This is where you process your feelings and emotions. It's like the house's living room, where you hang out with your family and friends and experience different emotions.

Finally, the top floor of the brain is called the "thinking brain" or the "neocortex." This is where you do all your thinking, learning, and problem-solving. It's like the house's attic, where you go to think and imagine and create. It's the most innovative part of your brain, and it can help you think through your fears and make good decisions.

When you sense peril or fear, your survival brain takes over. It will seize possession of the neocortex because the survival brain is ancient in evolutionary terms. You are instructed to flee, defend yourself, or conceal. This is useful because it keeps you secure under challenging circumstances. A danger signal is sent whenever we encounter a novel task or situation. Imagine you're giving a formal presentation to our clients and seniors. The neocortex will be controlled by your survival brain, making you anxious. You'll be frightened, perspiring, and parched. The failure and refusal of the familiar and the unfamiliar are evident. You'll want to escape because the survival brain can only lead to battle or flight.

In our development from childhood to adulthood, the circumstances, the family or friends, and even our teachers and relevant persons influence our brains to perceive these situations (public speaking, writing a novel, art, starting a business etc.) as threats. “This is not your type of job”, “You can’t do it”, “This is hard”, “Business is not for everyone”, “Don’t behave like a fool” -all these types of learning in the school, home or office or workplace would eventually lead to activate the survival signals, and we fail to face the situation. I am not an exception. (The idea of writing this topic is to overcome the same issues for me in different aspects of my life).

It's important to remember that while fear can be a powerful emotion, it doesn't always mean we are in immediate danger. Using our neocortex to think through our fears and evaluate potential risks, we can make informed decisions about when to listen to our fear response and push past it. Ultimately, striking a balance between our instincts for self-preservation and our desire to explore and grow is vital to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. But it needs the practice to achieve. We will talk about this later in overcoming the fear.

Common types of fear that contribute to resistance

Fear of the unknown: Many people feel anxious or fearful when faced with something new or unfamiliar. They may feel more comfortable sticking with familiar and predictable things. E.g. Moving to a new city.

Fear of failure: Individuals may resist change because they fear they will not be successful or will be judged or criticised if they fail. E.g. Public speaking.

Fear of loss: Change often involves some level of loss, whether it's a loss of control, a loss of familiarity, or a loss of status. E.g. Starting a new business.

Fear of rejection: they will be rejected by others or no longer fit in. E.g. writing a novel, fear of rejection by publishers or even friends and family members.

Fear of the future: is a broad category that includes fears about what the future may hold. For example, individuals may fear that a change will lead to a worse outcome or that they will not be able to handle the challenges that lie ahead. E.g., the job prospect in the era of automation and artificial intelligence.

It's important to note that these types of fear can be interconnected and overlap differently for different individuals. Identifying the specific fears contributing to resistance can help develop strategies to overcome them.

Overcoming fear and resistance:

“The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can only build a strong character”. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Acknowledge and identify fears- The first step in facing your fears is acknowledging and identifying them. Fear is a necessary emotion that cannot be eliminated. Therefore, it is preferable to accept it and live with it. Fear can be tamed and used to significant effect. The best way to experience the suffering and the dread is to self-reflect and introspect. I think this is a worthwhile endeavour. This must be done at least once per week. (preferably every day). My preferred times to reflect thoroughly on my fears and their causes were during the commute, in the afternoon, or after lunch in solitude. I frequently fail to discover the answer, but that is irrelevant. A crucial first move is merely admitting the truth.

Challenge limiting beliefs and reframe fear:?We are accountable for creating the limiting perception. No one sets the boundaries. We define our boundaries. We can only become limitless by removing those constraints. If I think I can, I'll do it. Reframing our fear is the opportunity for development that lies within the dread. When your survival brain attempts to engage in a situation, you may believe you are trying to achieve something extraordinary (obviously not when there is real danger). No quantity of delicious ice cream will tempt you to abandon your diet. Instead, stick to your diet to treat yourself to ice cream on a cheat day.

Take small steps towards change:?For writing a novel, the thinking about the end outcome will be fearful. You better start the first draft. Initiating the task will enhance the journey. You will love the process. The result will be evident by itself.

Seek support from others:?A community of like-minded people is very healthy in overcoming fear and resistance. Avoid people with survival-only brains. They will only tell what you are already hearing in your inner chat.?

Stay present and flexible:?Most of the time, we are in past mistakes or future worries. We need to remember our current time. At this moment, you are reading this article. There is no problem.??But we tend to deviate towards problems or probabilities of failure in future. Mindfulness is a mighty tool to practice the power of now.

A storm can serve as a metaphor for change or challenging situations in life. How trees respond to storms can teach us important lessons about resilience and adaptability. Deep-rooted trees, like oak or redwood trees, are known for their strength and stability. Their deep roots anchor them firmly in the ground, allowing them to withstand strong winds and storms. However, in some cases, their rigidity can also make them vulnerable to breaking or toppling over in extreme weather conditions.

On the other hand, more flexible trees, like bamboo or willow trees, can bend and sway in the wind, allowing them to withstand storms and other weather conditions better. Their flexibility and adaptability will enable them to weather the storm without breaking. While having a solid foundation and deeply held values is essential, it's also important to be adaptable and open to change.?

Celebrate successes and reinforce positive behaviour:?Never look for a significant leap to celebrate. A small step towards your resistance should be celebrated. It will strengthen the habit of getting things done.?

Strategies for embracing change

“What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it.” Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Developing a growth mindset: To create a growth mindset, it's crucial first to become aware of our fixed mindset tendencies. These might include beliefs such as "I'm just not good at X" or "I'll never be able to do Y." Once we've identified these limiting beliefs, we can work on challenging and reframing them. People with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, view failures as opportunities for growth and learning, and persist in facing obstacles. This mindset can help us approach change with curiosity and openness rather than fear and resistance.

Cultivating resilience and adaptability

Finding purpose and meaning in the change?is a process that takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself and stay open to new possibilities as you navigate through the ups and downs of life. These are some of the essential processes to find purpose and meaning.

·??????Reflect on your values and goals.

·??????Embrace curiosity: Approach change with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

·??????Look for opportunities to help others: Look for ways to use your skills and talents to make a positive impact in your community or the lives of others.

·??????Focus on personal growth: Change can be an opportunity for personal growth and development. Use this time to focus on self-improvement, learn new skills, or work on personal goals.

·??????Practice gratitude: Even amid change and uncertainty, there are always things to be grateful for.

Takeaways:

“Art begins with resistance - at the point where resistance is overcome. No human masterpiece has ever been created without great labor.” Andre Gide.

1.?????Acknowledge and identify fears- self-reflection and introspection. Sometimes negative factors like stubbornness and ignorance can be the source of overcoming resistance. Try to identify the allies and enemies of productivity.?

2.?????Delimit the limiting belief- remember you are the creator of the limiting beliefs.?

3.?????Shut down your inner critic (your survival brain), self-doubt and self-sabotaging behaviour.?

4.?????Take the first tentative move towards your resistance and fear. As recommended by Seth Godin in his best-selling book "Linchpin," "ship" the work when the due date approaches. We encounter more opposition when the task is about to be completed the closer the deadline is. Avoid falling victim to the resistance loop.

5.?????Be in the community and be accountable.

6.?????Stay present and flexible. Practice mindfulness and embrace the opportunity to grow. Be resilient and, at the same time, flexible. The balance is essential.

7.?????Celebrate every small and big success. The reward will reinforce the habit.

8.?????Find the purpose and meaning- most difficult but attainable.

"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." - John C. Maxwell.

We can take measures to overcome our fear and open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences by acknowledging and understanding the part that fear plays in resistance to change. We can discover how to navigate change confidently and optimistically and find fulfilment and growth if we have the proper mindset, approaches, and support.

References:

1.?????Godin, S. (2010, January 26).?Linchpin: Are You Indispensable??Portfolio.

2.?????Pressfield, S. (2015, March 15).?Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way.