Resistance—it’s not just what you feel when trying to wake up for a 5 AM workout or when Netflix asks, “Are you still watching?” Resistance is part of human nature. It’s built into our survival instincts, designed to protect us from threats. But in modern life, resistance can be both a guide and an obstacle, depending on how we approach it.
What Is Resistance, Really?
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines resistance as “to withstand, to strive against, to exert force in opposition, to counteract, defeat or frustrate.” Sounds intense, right? But resistance shows up in everyday moments, from avoiding difficult conversations to hesitating on taking that leap into entrepreneurship.
Resistance is great when it comes to fighting off a flu virus. Your immune system’s job is to resist invaders and keep you healthy. Resistance can also be useful when avoiding things that go against your core values—like resisting that toxic ex who keeps sliding into your DMs. But what about the kind of resistance that keeps you stuck?
When Resistance Holds You Back
Sometimes, resistance is an indicator that something isn’t right for you—at least, not yet. If you’re feeling a strong pushback, ask yourself: Why am I resisting this? Is it because it truly isn’t aligned with your goals, or is it fear dressed up as logic?
Then there’s the other kind of resistance—the kind that destroys what we desire most. This happens when we resist change itself. Humans are weird like that. We dream big, manifest our goals, and then freak out when life starts shifting to make them happen.
For example, when I set the intention to become financially independent, I had this neat little plan in my head: My business would scale, income would steadily increase, and eventually, I wouldn’t need to rely on outside support. But the universe had other plans—it cut off my safety net entirely. Spousal income? Gone. Security? Shattered.
I resisted that change hard. I fought against it, stressed about it, and blamed circumstances. But looking back, the universe wasn’t being cruel—it was answering my request in the most direct way possible. It was pushing me to become independent, not just wish for it.
The Hidden Dangers of Resistance
Here’s the problem: resistance isn’t just an inconvenience. It actively works against us.
Resistance disintegrates our inner peace. It creates tension, anxiety, and self-sabotage. It can manifest as procrastination, chronic stress, or even conflict with people we love. You ever notice how, when you’re resisting something in life, you start picking fights over dumb things—like how someone loads the dishwasher? Yeah, that’s resistance at work.
So, What’s the Alternative?
Should we resist resistance? Nope. That just creates more of it. Instead, the solution is creative acceptance.
Creative acceptance is not passive. It’s not resignation. It’s a conscious choice to embrace what is, while finding ways to move forward. History is full of examples of people who used creative acceptance to navigate change. Think about the tech revolution—companies that resisted change (cough Blockbuster cough) crumbled, while those that adapted (hello, Netflix!) thrived.
In the Middle Ages, people who understood the Law of Attraction and personal empowerment had to make a choice: resist the oppressive status quo and risk death, comply and lose their integrity, or adapt and find a new path. Many chose the third option, relocating to places where they could freely practice their beliefs. Adaptation, not resistance, became their superpower.
How to Identify and Release Resistance
Resistance shows up in the body, mind, and emotions. It feels like:
- Tightness in your chest
- That gut-clenching feeling before making a big decision
- Frustration, procrastination, or avoidance
- Judgment (of yourself or others)
- Confusion or indignation (Why is this happening to me?!)
When I notice resistance creeping in, I pause and ask my Higher Self:
“What is the root of my resistance? Show me how to accept this creatively.”
Sometimes, the answer is simple. Other times, it requires deep reflection. But every time I choose acceptance over resistance, I grow stronger, more resilient, and more in tune with the flow of life.
The Bottom Line
Change is inevitable. The only choice we have is how we respond. Resistance keeps us stuck; acceptance sets us free.
So, the next time you feel resistance rising—whether it’s about making a career shift, starting that passion project, or simply facing an uncomfortable truth—pause. Breathe. And ask yourself: Am I resisting growth? Or am I resisting something that isn’t truly meant for me?
The answer might just change everything.
