Why Your Brain Hates Change (and How to Convince It Otherwise)

You finally decide to take on a new challenge—maybe it's learning a new skill, switching careers, or even just waking up earlier to work out.

At first, you're excited. You picture yourself mastering that skill, excelling in a new role, or finally establishing a consistent morning routine. You make plans, maybe even buy a new planner, sign up for a class, or tell a friend about your goal.

But then...

You procrastinate, suddenly remembering all the other things you need?to do first. You have doubt and hesitation. You tell yourself you’ll start tomorrow, then next week, then maybe when things settle down. A small voice in your head starts whispering reasons why now isn’t the right time; maybe you’re too busy, maybe you’re not ready, or maybe you weren’t cut out for this after all.

And before you know it, you’re right back where you started, stuck in the same routine, wondering why it always seems so hard to follow through on change.

So what’s going on here? Why does our brain hate change? Even if it is wanted change?!

It turns out there’s a biological explanation for this frustrating cycle. Studies in neuroscience reveal that the moment we step outside our comfort zone, our brain triggers a stress response.

The Brain Hates Change

Your brain is a prediction machine. It thrives on familiarity because familiar situations are easy to navigate. The more predictable your life, the less energy your brain has to spend figuring things out. That’s why habits—both good and bad—are so powerful. They allow your brain to operate efficiently, without constantly having to make decisions.

But when you try something new, your brain activates its alert system. A region called the amygdala—often associated with fear and stress—sends out a warning: This is unfamiliar. It could be risky. Stay alert!

At the same time, your body releases stress hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline)?and cortisol?to prepare you for the unknown. These chemicals are useful in small amounts, but too much can make you feel anxious, stuck, or ready to give up before you even start.

So, change isn’t just mentally?uncomfortable—it’s biologically?uncomfortable.

How to Convince Your Brain to Embrace Change

Our brain is adaptable. That is the good news! If you understand how it reacts to change, you can use strategies to push through the initial discomfort and rewire it for growth.

Label the Discomfort as Progress

Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, explains that stress during learning is actually a good?sign. It means your brain is in the process of rewiring itself.

Instead of seeing frustration as a reason to stop, recognize it as evidence that you’re growing. Tell yourself: This resistance means my brain is learning something new.

Shrink the Change

Big, sudden changes trigger the brain’s alarm system. But small, gradual changes slip under the radar.

If your goal is to exercise more, don’t start with an intense hour-long workout. Start with five minutes. If you want to write a book, don’t force yourself to write 1,000 words—start with a sentence.

By taking micro-steps, your brain doesn’t feel as threatened, making it easier to build momentum. I first understood this concept when I applied the techniques from the book, Atomic Habits.

Use the “Physiological Sigh” to Reset

When you feel the familiar signs of stress or anxiety, use a breathing technique called the physiological sigh—two quick inhales through the nose, followed by a long exhale through the mouth.

This is a tool Huberman recommends for managing stress in real time and is very effective for a number of different stress related new situations.

Reward the Effort, Not Just the Outcome

Your brain releases dopamine, the "motivation chemical," when it anticipates a reward. But if you only reward yourself when you reach a big?goal, your brain won’t get enough reinforcement along the way.

Instead, reward small wins: completing a short workout, making progress on a project, or showing up even when you didn’t feel like it. This keeps dopamine flowing and makes it easier to stay consistent.

Reframe Fear/Nervousness as Excitement

Your brain interprets fear and excitement in a nearly identical way - both increase heart rate, sharpen focus, and trigger adrenaline. The only difference? Your interpretation?of the feeling.

Instead of telling yourself I’m nervous about this change, say I’m excited about this opportunity. This shift in perspective can make a huge difference in how your brain processes new challenges.

Final Thoughts

Your brain’s resistance to change isn’t a personal weakness.

It’s a built-in survival mechanism. The point is to recognize that the anxiety that surfaces is a body's reaction to change. Once you feel that reaction, you can actively do something about it.

You cannot eliminate the stress but you can know it and let it glide past you!

When you embrace the struggle, reframe discomfort, and work with your brain’s natural processes, you make change easier, more sustainable, and even exciting.

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