Are you feeling stuck? Have your work search or business development efforts stalled out? It may be worthwhile to ask yourself - what are my areas of resistance? At times and in varying degrees we all pull back from moving forward. Why? It’s more comfortable and safe carrying on in a known routine, seeing ourselves in a certain way. We feel more in control.

Resistance can show up in a variety of ways:

1. Procrastination. When we avoid the temporary discomfort of change, it’s easy to delay or never do the relevant things. We can easily become sidetracked in the minutia - or excuse our way out of making that phone call, writing the letter, approaching the perspective employer or new client.
2. Physical and emotional fatigue. We feel tired and burned out when we want the change (the new job, more business, interesting projects) — but resist actually going for it. It’s like driving your car with the accelerator and brake on at the same time. Inner conflict can show itself in physical symptoms, exhaustion and withdrawal.

How you overcome resistance:

1. Recommit to your dreams and your worthiness to actually realize them. The process of change is uncomfortable. Gail Sheehy observed, “Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.” You can expect it.
2. If your fear and anxiety are too great, step them down a bit. Take smaller steps — but take those steps every day for yourself. Marsha Sinetar, Ph.D., author of Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow wrote, “Burning desire to be or do something gives us staying power - a reason to get up every morning or to pick ourselves up and start in again after a disappointment.”
3. Support your dreams with tangible goals and action plans. Action begets action. Things will start to move as you do. Your discipline and commitment will power you forward. Set up new routines and supports to help you keep on track.

Key point: Although you may feel resistance and fear, pursue your dreams anyway. You’ll find a way to walk through.

Today’s questions

What are you resisting? What steps are you taking to overcome it?