The Nuances of Resistance: Push Through or Pivot?
Leslie Capps
The Strategic Storypreneur I Helping Entrepreneurs Monetize Their Story & Build a Brand That Sells | Author | Course Creator | Speaker
Ever stare down a big move—one that could change everything—but suddenly find yourself hesitating? You were excited yesterday, but today, the doubts creep in. Is this really the right time? Should I tweak it first? Maybe I need to learn just one more thing before I jump.
That’s resistance talking. And if you’ve ever wrestled with it, you’re not alone.
Resistance isn’t just a roadblock—it’s a story we tell ourselves. Sometimes, it’s the fear of stepping into something bigger. Other times, it’s the quiet whisper that we’re forcing the wrong path. And if we don’t recognize which kind we’re facing, we risk pushing when we should be pivoting—or quitting when we should be stepping up.
So how do we know?
1. When Resistance is a Plot Twist—Not the End
Think about any great story. Right before the hero makes a breakthrough, there’s always that moment of doubt—the part where everything seems impossible. They want to turn back. The mountain looks too steep. The villain seems stronger.
That’s where most people stop.
But if resistance is showing up because you’re about to level up—if everything up until now has led to this moment—then it’s not a sign to quit. It’s a sign to turn the page. The breakthrough isn’t behind you. It’s ahead.
2. When Resistance is a Rewrite Waiting to Happen
Then there’s the kind of resistance that isn’t fear—it’s friction. You’ve been forcing the story, trying to make a plotline work when deep down, you know it’s not the right one.
Maybe it’s the business that no longer excites you. The project that felt like a good idea but now drains you. The partnership that isn’t aligned.
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That kind of resistance isn’t there to be crushed—it’s there to be listened to. Sometimes, the best move isn’t to double down. It’s to step back, reevaluate, and rewrite.
3. When Resistance Isn’t Yours to Solve
Ever watch someone resist a change you know would be good for them? You see the opportunity, the potential, the transformation waiting on the other side—but they hesitate. They overthink. They stay stuck.
You can lead them to water. You can tell the story. But you can’t make them drink.
Not every character is ready for their breakthrough. And part of growth is learning when to inspire—and when to step back.
Your Story, Your Resistance
Resistance isn’t just something to push through or avoid—it’s a clue. A moment to pause and ask:
Every great story has moments of tension. Resistance isn’t the villain. It’s the turning point. The moment where you decide: Push forward, pivot, or let go.
What’s the resistance showing up in your story right now? And what is it really telling you?
Providing Vitality, Comfort & Strength: workshops for wellness providers and self-care for anyone
1 个月What you call 'doubt', I would call 'lack of confidence'. Love that you started your article by identifying this. It's something that frustrates me when I see it in others... Your article shared the perspective not to take it personally - that is helpful to remember!
Helping women fall back in love with themselves so they can attract their dream partner - Self Love Coach | Podcaster | Author | Speaker
1 个月I've been resisting letting people go that no longer serve me. It's been a week of cleansing and purging as I surrender and let of that resistance.
Transformationalist | Creator of "The Resilience Code" | Guiding Ambitious Individuals to Transform Anxiety Into Confidence, Rebuild Self-Trust, and Embrace Clarity and Inner Strength
1 个月I have as well. I get the feeling of pivot. Do you stay true to your story or do you hold back.