Change is a process that is closely associated with adaptation from the human being to the environment, what 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 ourselves, that is, we can carry out a series of actions and we can transform our attitude to promote our personal growth
However, our mind, which on other occasions 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 at both a personal and organizational level.
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 objectives, spending time and energy and, obviously, it requires will.
Since change is not easy, below you can find a list of recommendations to overcome resistance to change.
A person who is not able to visualize the change is unable to transform his life That is why you need to be aware of the benefits of changing.
Likewise, knowing yourself and knowing what your needs, desires, emotions and thoughts are is also important to carry out the change process. Resisting change has a lot to do with the beliefs one has 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 themselves 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, we may want to change careers but we may feel like a failure because we think that others will criticize us if we choose that option, or we may even think that we are weak or not worthy or respected.
In reality, 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 challenge 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 And changing requires facing 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.
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 see ourselves capable of carrying 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 move forward 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 of change Setting goals is really motivating and is the best way to overcome this resistance. Now, the objectives must be clear and realistic, otherwise we may throw in the towel prematurely.
6. Open to change
Change has a lot to do with a person’s attitude, because it is difficult to change. if the person does not have the will to do it Wanting to change is not verbalizing that we want to transform our life (what is known as false self-confidence), but rather being in motion and taking small steps to achieve 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 to 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, 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 moment, but not on a day-to-day basis.
Resistance to change can occur because the person does not take responsibility for the problems and prefers to avoid them or look for their causes outside, that is, blaming others for their mistakes It’s 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. Abandon victimhood
Not taking responsibility can also lead to a victimizing attitude. Again, this behavior is avoidant, in other words, ands a resistance or a denial Victimhood prevents change and is a behavior that leads to resistance to change. Taking responsibility also means abandoning 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 that allows us 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 can therefore help us overcome resistance to change. Putting yourself in good hands is key to overcoming resistance to change,
