Recognize - and flow around - resistance
Ooh, you picked the “R” card…The resistance card.
Let's talk about it, because I get the feeling that something really good is going to happen for you today.
Resistance is one of my favorite topics because it's so human. Everyone you know experiences resistance in some way, shape or form. It is - simply:
the psychological forces that impact our internal dialogue and our external behaviors.
Resistance is deeply rooted in fear, and it often shows up in ways that we don't expect. So, if you felt any of these within the last few days, or even right now, you're experiencing resistance:
perfectionism
criticism of ourselves & of other people
negative mindset
social withdrawal
procrastination
getting caught up in the minutia of things
escapism
Sound familiar?
But here's the trick with it:
You can't get aggressive with resistance.
Ya gotta lean into it.
My dad is a martial artist, and - when my sister and I were kids - he was always showing us how to defend ourselves. He once showed us how to maneuver out of a classic choke-hold where somebody puts their arm over around your neck from behind and grabs ahold of your opposite shoulder to lock their arm into place.
In my team workshops, I often ask participants how they would get out of this hold. The answers always lead to: biting the opponent or trying to wiggle out of the hold. These maneuvers might get you out, but you're going to risk breaking your jaw, or your assailant could just tighten their grip. And so it is with resistance (resistance - in this case - being like an assailant).
Our dad taught us to simply stand still, move our hips to one side and strike back very powerfully to the groin of our assailant. I'm telling you right now, a clear hit to anyone's jangles is going to get them to stand back and rethink that hold. The same is true with resistance. Gently lean into it and strike. Don't fight it.
Today, when you are experiencing resistance, make a “PACT” with yourself. And by that I mean:
Pause to recognize the feeling that you're having.
Assess what’s holding you back - is it skill, interest or confidence?
Change your inner dialogue around the negative language that you have in your mind.
Take action - execute clearly and unapologetically in pursuit of maneuvering around your resistance just long enough to move forward.
Remember, you are so much bigger than the limitation you have in your mind.
Love you, boo.
See you soon.
♥
Andrea