Change is a process that is intimately associated with the adaptation of the human being to the environment, which is known as evolutionary change. However, change is not only biological (for example, when the years go by and we notice changes in our body), but it can also occur on a psychological level. In this sense, it is linked to personal development.

On a personal level, change has the characteristic that it depends on us, that is, we can carry out a series of actions and we can transform our attitude to favour our personal growth .

However, our mind, which at other times can be our best ally, can also play tricks on us and resist change. This is what is known as resistance to change , which occurs on both a personal and organisational level.

Overcoming resistance to change

Because it is an individual and personal process, no one can change another person if they do not want to change . Personal transformation requires self-reflection, self-awareness, setting clear and realistic goals, spending time and energy, and obviously needs will.

Since change is not easy, below you can find a list of recommendations to overcome resistance to change.

1. Being Self-Aware and Knowing Yourself

A person who is not able to visualize change is unable to transform his life . This is why it is necessary for him/her to be aware of the benefits of change.

Knowing yourself and your needs, your desires, your emotions and your thoughts is also important to carry out the process of change. 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, he may detect debilitating and limiting beliefs that prevent him from moving forward. It is these beliefs that prevent us from changing, that is, resisting change.For example, we may want to change careers but we may feel that others will criticize us if we choose that option, or we may even think that we are weak or unworthy and respected.

In reality, making a decision of this caliber is only suitable for brave people. Detecting limiting beliefs first and then eliminating them is necessary to overcome resistance to change.

3. Get out of the comfort zone and test yourself

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 don’t have to face our fears . Because change 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 door on resistance to change.

4. Improves self-confidence

Perception of self-efficacy or self-confidence are the beliefs we hold about our ability to perform certain tasks. Having low self-confidence means that we will resist change, in the sense that we will not be able to carry it out; we will feel insecure about problems, even if they have a relatively easy solution. Change is not easy, and if we don’t have enough self-confidence, it will be difficult to move forward when things get complicated.

5. Set realistic goals

Resisting change is also about not being able to visualize the future and the rewards of change . Setting goals is really motivating and is the best way to overcome this resistance. However, objectives must be clear and realistic, otherwise we can throw in the towel too soon.

6. Open yourself to change

Change has much to do with a person’s attitude, because it is difficult to change if the person does not have the will to do so . Wanting to change is not verbalizing that we want to transform our life (what is known as false self-confidence), but being in movement and taking small steps to get what we want.

7. Plan the change

As mentioned above, being aware of where we are is important in order to know our starting point and the place where we want to go . It has also been commented that it is necessary to visualize the objectives we want to pursue, as it is motivating. However, it is also good to avoid resistance to change, to plan this change and our transformation. This allows us to remain motivated in the medium and long term. Having very distant objectives 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 them outside, that is, blaming others for his or her mistakes . It is easier to do this and wait for things to change on their own. Well, this rarely happens, so to change you need to empower yourself and take responsibility for the transformation.

9. Leave the victimhood

Not taking responsibility can also lead to a victimistic attitude. Again, this behaviour is avoidant, in other words, it is a resistance or a denial . Victimhood prevents change and is a behaviour that leads to resistance to change. To take responsibility is also to abandon victimhood.

10. Go to an expert in personal or organizational development

Sometimes, following the previous steps has no 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. Positive coaches and 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,