Hidden Resistance

I'm referring to the hidden type. The times when we set ourselves a goal and then struggle to implement it. All the good intentions that we never carry out.  The new year resolutions we break in week 1.  It all seems so simple when we're in the planning stage but somehow the plans don't translate into action.

The reason is often resistance. But obviously it would be too easy if we just sat there and had an argument with ourselves, so instead our subconscious comes up with very plausible reasons why we can't take action.

What is underneath this is often a fear - of failure, of success, or something else - but it's often not obvious.  And the reason often wants to be kept hidden.  Unless we're being very honest with ourselves, we often don't admit to being frightened of success, for example, but anything that provokes a change can scare us.

My personal favourite is tiredness (but you could also have busyness, mental confusion, mild headaches, nausea or many others). As soon as I come up against something that challenges me in some way and tries to take me out of my comfort zone, I suddenly feel the need to sleep for a week.  I've often wondered whether there is something wrong with me, but having sorted out my diet and my sleeping patterns, I know it's just plain resistance.  If I'm "tired" then I can't possibly even attempt the task.

But the downside of this is that things just seem to go round and round in circles and I feel like I'm up against a brick wall.  It can get very frustrating at times.

Recently I was fortunate enough to have some life coaching sessions with Angie Taher of AT Coaching.  She describes these resistance patterns as "gremlins" and suggests we directly take back control by distracting ourselves.  Clicking our fingers, making a noise, or some kind of movement when the gremlin rears its head  reminds us that we're in charge, rather than the gremlin.

It might take some time, but by doing this, you're retraining yourself and letting the gremlin know it no longer has any power over you.  It might be hard work initially, but you'll come through it stronger and more empowered.