Overcoming Resistance: How to Break Free and Find Growth

Psychological resistance to change can keep individuals stuck in unwanted situations, but through evidence-based therapeutic strategies like positive affirmations, vision boarding, and professional counseling support, people can effectively break free from resistance patterns and achieve meaningful personal growth.

Ever notice how the changes you fear most seem to follow you like a shadow? Understanding resistance could be the key to breaking free from this pattern. Whether you're avoiding a career move or postponing a difficult conversation, discover how to transform your relationship with change and unlock genuine personal growth.

Breaking Through Resistance: Understanding “What You Resist Persists”

The phrase “what you resist persists” refers to avoiding transformation and change. Change can seem daunting, and being intimidated by unfamiliar terrain is normal. However, there are ways to find guidance, tools, motivation, and insights into developing a mindset that promotes growth and overcoming resistance.

Learning to channel inspiration through practical exercises like crafting vision boards, building your dreams day by day, and setting goals through various strategies may be helpful. You don’t have to face the transition alone—ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers specialize in goal setting and transformation and can guide you through the process.

What does “what you resist persists” mean?

“What you resist persists” means that resisting change can lead to the persistence of circumstances you want to escape. For example, if you resist leaving an unhealthy relationship, you continue to remain in the relationship. If you resist applying to a job you want, you may stay stuck in a job you don’t like.

By using your persistence in positive ways and moving toward your goals, what persists may be your strength, passion, and energy instead of stagnant situations you no longer want to be in.

How to healthily persist

Below are a few ways to persist healthily and stop resisting the goals in your life.

Learn about resistance

To gain a deeper understanding of the power of resistance, looking above the surface level of what resistance seems to be may be helpful. Resistance can take many forms, whether a social movement protesting injustice or someone saying “no” to peer pressure. Resistance can also be a barrier, obstacle, or tool for change.

By challenging the status quo and refusing to sit back, resistance can push society toward progress and create meaningful change. However, it can be essential to acknowledge the power of resistance and understand the potential consequences that may arise as a result.

Recognize obstacles to change

Fear can be an obstacle to change. Whether one fears failure, the unknown, or losing an important person or object, fear can keep one stuck in a situation that might not be healthy or beneficial in the long term.

Recognizing that fear can be a regular part of the change process can help individuals overcome it. By acknowledging your fears and exploring the root causes behind them, you may gain a better understanding of yourself and your motivations. Self-understanding can lead to clarity and a renewed sense of purpose, potentially allowing you to move forward confidently and make desired changes.

If you fear changing your life, know that you’re not alone. Feeling scared is natural. However, with a positive mindset and approach, you can overcome these obstacles and achieve a potential breakthrough in achieving your goals.

Practice positive affirmations and self-talk

Positive affirmations and self-talk can significantly impact one’s daily life and well-being. Changing how you talk to yourself may boost your confidence, reduce stress, and improve your well-being.

It may be challenging at first to be kind to yourself. However, you may develop a more positive routine by making this practice a habit. Instead of focusing on your flaws or mistakes, you can focus on your strengths, achievements, and hope for your future.

Your chosen words may affect your emotions and behaviors, so use them wisely. Self-talk doesn’t have to be cheesy or insincere but can benefit from kindness, compassion, and support. A few affirmations to start with could include the following:

• “I am smart.”
• “I am capable of change.”
• “I believe in my ability to meet my goals.”
• “I am patient with myself.”
• “I am working hard every day.”
• “I admire my effort to make transformations.”

Find a support system for lasting change

When making lasting changes, a healthy support system can make a difference. Change can be challenging, so having others there to cheer you on, offer guidance, and hold you accountable can be valuable as you go.

Creating a support system doesn’t have to be complicated. It may involve enlisting the support of a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. However, ensure your support system understands your goals, can offer support through the ups and downs, and can provide encouragement. In addition, be your biggest supporter and give yourself the same energy you crave from others.

Look for solutions, not problems

In a fast-paced world, it can be challenging to accept your circumstances. You may focus on the negatives and succumb to thoughts about helplessness. However, mindset may play a significant role in how you view the world and the solutions you seek. Rather than dwelling on problems, shift your focus to solutions. By adopting a growth mindset, embracing challenges, learning from your mistakes, and persevering through obstacles, you may reduce your focus on the negative and live a more optimistic life.

Find solidarity

Being isolated can be lonely and challenging. Whether due to personal circumstances or external factors, finding ways to combat these feelings may be crucial. One way to move forward is by practicing solidarity.

Participating in group activities, volunteering for a cause you believe in, or engaging in conversation with others can create a sense of belonging and connection. In addition, solidarity practices may alleviate the pain of isolation by providing a support system and a chance to form meaningful connections that make you feel valued and understood.

Take action to see results

Making changes in your life can be daunting. However, receiving results often comes from direct action. You may fall into a pattern of procrastination or make excuses for why you can’t make the changes you want to see. Instead, identify what’s holding you back and take active steps toward overcoming those obstacles.

Action could mean setting achievable goals and breaking them down into manageable steps or seeking support from friends or professionals. Change is a process, and it can take time and effort to see a real difference in your life. Try not to give up. Keep pushing forward, and celebrate each victory along the way.

Channel motivation through a vision board

Motivation can be a crucial factor in achieving goals, but it can be challenging to maintain a consistent level. Some people use tools or activities to find motivation more effectively. A vision board is one potential tool to use, which involves creating a collage of images, quotes, and affirmations representing your goals.

By regularly focusing on your vision board, you can remind yourself of your motivation each day. In addition, creating a vision board can be easy and fun for individuals or groups. Once you’ve mapped out your dreams and goals visually, keep your vision board somewhere you’ll see it daily, like your bedroom or office, to become inspired when you spend time in that room.

Implement positivity into your daily routine

Getting stuck in negative thought processes during the day can be challenging. However, there can be practical ways to break this cycle and promote positivity. One way is to start with gratitude. Create a gratitude journal to write down three aspects of your life you’re thankful for daily. In addition, seek positivity by surrounding yourself with positive people and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

“What you resist persists” and talking about changes: consider talking to a licensed clinical social worker

The American Psychological Association (APA) states that therapy can be an effective tool for making positive changes in your life. It provides a safe, supportive environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. With a licensed clinical social worker, you can gain insight into your patterns and learn new coping skills. Additionally, therapy can help you address underlying challenges that may contribute to problems in your life, such as past trauma or unprocessed emotions.

Telehealth support through ReachLink

For some people, finding effective, cost-effective, and available therapy is challenging. If you face barriers to face-to-face treatment, you’re not alone. Consider speaking to a licensed clinical social worker online through ReachLink to find guidance.

Our telehealth platform is designed to be more accessible because we offer therapeutic support from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection. In addition, clients can set appointments on their schedule, with some therapists offering appointments outside of standard business hours.

In addition to these benefits, research shows that online therapy can lead to improved relationships, better self-awareness, and greater overall well-being.

Takeaway

Making positive changes in your life is possible. There are multiple ways to adjust the course of your life, from understanding the power of resistance to acting toward tangible results. Recognizing fear and other obstacles that may prevent growth may direct you toward a path of change. Positive affirmations and self-talk are also tools for encouraging inner dialogue.

If you’re struggling to get motivated, reduce procrastination, or understand the benefit of persistence, you might consider contacting a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink. Our telehealth platform makes it easy to connect with qualified professionals who can help you overcome resistance and achieve meaningful transformation.