Resistance to change: 10 keys to overcome it
Change is a process that is intimately associated with adaptation from the human being to the environment, what is known as evolutionary change. However, the change is not only biological (for example, when the years pass and we notice the changes in our body), but it can also happen at the psychological level. In this sense, it is linked to personal development.
On a personal level, the change has the characteristic that depends on ourselves, that is, that we can carry out a series of actions and we can transform our attitude to favor our personal growth .
However, our mind, which on other occasions can be our best ally, can also play tricks on us and resist changing. 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, nobody can change another person if they do not want to change . Personal transformation requires self-reflection, self-awareness, setting clear and realistic goals, using time and energy and, of course, needs willpower.
Since the change is not easy, below you can find a list of recommendations to overcome resistance to change.
1. Be self-conscious and know yourself
A person who is not able to visualize the change is unable to transform his life . That's why you need to be aware of the benefits of changing.
Likewise, knowing yourself and knowing your needs, your desires, your emotions and your thoughts is also important to carry out the change process. Resisting change has a lot to do with one's 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 carries out a process of self-reflection, you may detect debilitating and limiting beliefs that prevent you from moving forward. It is these beliefs that prevent us from changing, that is, resisting change. For example, perhaps we want to change careers but we can feel unsuccessful in thinking that others will criticize us if we choose that option, or we may even think that we are weak or unworthy and respected.
Actually, 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 the 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 do not have to face our fears . And it is that changing requires facing up to uncertainty, and this can make us feel insecure and even anxious. Overcoming the fear of uncertainty is necessary to slam the resistance to change.
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4. Improves 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 are going to 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 keep going when things get complicated.
5. Set realistic goals
Resisting change also has to do with not being able to visualize the future and the reward that is involved in 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 to change
The change has a lot to do with the attitude of a person, because it is difficult to change If the person does not have the will to do it . Wanting to change is not to verbalize that we want to transform our life (what is known as false self-confidence), but to be in movement and take small steps to get 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, since it is motivating. However, it is also good to avoid resistance to change, 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 these problems, that is, blaming others for their mistakes . It is easier to do this and wait for things to change on their own. Well, this rarely happens, so to change it is necessary to empower yourself and take responsibility for the transformation.
9. Give up victimhood
Not taking responsibility can also lead to a victimizing attitude. Again, this behavior is avoidant, in other words, es a resistance or a denial . Victimism prevents change and is behavior that leads to resistance to change. Taking responsibility is also to abandon victimhood.
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10. Go to an expert in personal or organizational development
Sometimes, follow the steps above does not have an 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. Coaches and positive psychologists 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,
