Why We Resist Change—And How to Overcome It

Change is hard. Not because we’re lazy. Not because we’re stubborn. But because our brains are wired for efficiency.

In my upcoming book, The Evolutionary Mindset, I explore the psychology behind why we struggle with change—and more importantly, how we can shift our mindset to embrace it. To do that, we first need to understand the why behind our resistance. Because if we don’t address what’s happening in our brains, we’re missing a key element of making transformation sustainable.

How Our Brains Are Wired

Our brains are designed to do three core things:

1 - Find Joy

2 - Avoid Pain

3? - Run Efficiently

At first glance, none of these sound like bad things, right? In fact, they are essential for survival. The problem? They also make change feel incredibly difficult.

1. The Dopamine Factor: Finding Joy

Think about the things you genuinely enjoy. Maybe it’s hiking, spending time with family, scrolling social media, adding items to your Amazon cart, or even spring cleaning. What do all of these have in common? They trigger dopamine, the feel-good chemical that makes us crave repetition.

Every time we switch our attention to something enjoyable; we get a tiny dopamine hit. That’s why distractions are so tempting, and social media is so addictive. But here’s the challenge: real change requires focus, discomfort, and delayed gratification—none of which offer instant dopamine rewards. So, our brains naturally resist.

2. Avoiding Pain: The Discomfort Dilemma

Our brains are built to keep us safe. When we encounter something unfamiliar, our threat response kicks in because the unknown could mean danger. This was useful for our ancestors trying to avoid predators—but today, it often translates into avoiding uncomfortable conversations, new challenges, or stepping outside our comfort zones.

Pain, however, is subjective. Running on a treadmill? No, thanks. But summiting a mountain? I’m there for it. What we perceive as ‘painful’ varies, but the brain’s goal remains the same: steer clear.

So, what’s something you truly dislike? What’s the ‘treadmill’ in your life that you actively avoid?

3. The Efficiency Trap

Our brains like to conserve energy. That’s why habits and routines feel so natural—we don’t have to think about them. When we try to change, the brain sees it as an unnecessary energy drain. So it nudges us toward what’s easy and familiar.

This is why creating new habits is tough, and why we often revert to old behaviors. The brain isn’t trying to sabotage us—it’s simply trying to be efficient.

So, How Do We Override This?

Understanding these three factors gives us an edge. Instead of fighting our natural wiring, we can work with it:

? Leverage Dopamine: Make change rewarding. Small wins build momentum. Find a way to reward yourself when you are trying something new.

? Redefine Pain: Recognize that discomfort isn’t danger—it’s growth. You have to say it out loud and write it down.? Doing so creates a higher probability of success.

? Hack Efficiency: Make the new routine easier than the old one. This is about consistency, not intensity.? Find small steps toward your new direction that are easy to implement.

Change doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. When we shift from a ‘change’ mindset to an evolutionary one, we stop resisting and start adapting. And that’s when transformation actually sticks.

Where have you seen resistance show up in your life? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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#leadership #evolutionarymindset #change #growth