Get Ready

Have you noticed that when you go to try something new, you hear a self-doubt loop play in your brain?

When we reach higher for more growth, we have to get ready for the inner resistance that comes with it. 

By more growth, I mean creating something new in your life - taking up a new hobby, creating a piece of art, learning a new skill, starting a business or charity, enrolling in classes, starting a new school year, getting into a new relationship, moving to a new city, building or innovating something that hasn’t been done before - all of these things move you into a new stage of personal growth. 

Any growth or creative new endeavor will bring up the parts of yourself that aren’t yet fully developed or may contain an old wound. That part of you pops up when you try something new to be strengthened or healed. 

So now we can look at the resistance (or what we hear the inner critic say) as just part of the process instead of giving it power. Giving it power would be thinking, ‘I shouldn’t be doing this new thing’ and then quitting. 

Doing something new will always come with an inner resistance. 

Anything new to your brain usually has some element of resistance or fear because it is in unfamiliar territory and our brain loves predictability. The human brain feels safer when we just stick with what is familiar. 

When you take on a new challenge, expect to hear the inner chatter of something like this: ‘you will never be good at this, you don’t know what you are doing, you are wasting your money, you aren’t talented, you are stupid for even trying, who do you think you are to go for something like this, no one believes in you, this is going to be a huge failure, you are going to embarrass yourself!’

Just expect it. Then it won’t have power over you when it shows up. You can notice it, have a laugh, and then press on with your endeavor. 

Resistance is part of growth - the sprout from the seed has to push through the soil to get to the sun. 

You will have to push against resistance anytime you seek growth. That is just the way it works, it isn’t a sign to stop. 

Next time you have an idea of something you want to pursue, notice the resistance that comes up in your mind. What are the reasons you are being told you shouldn’t go for it? Those are the areas you need to do some work and build some muscles - the idea you want to pursue is the catalyst to get you to do this work so that you grow and have a more full human experience. The resistance will keep us living small and safe if we let it win. If you can notice the messages within the resistance and work to overcome those, then you are unstoppable. 

Don’t let resistance stop you, it shows up to be overcome because that’s how you grow. And a humanity of growing people is a humanity more fulfilled, healthier mentally and physically, more loving, and inspired to contribute to the greater good. 

The world needs you pursuing that idea of yours. Go do it. 

Cheering you on,