Overcoming the Brain's Resistance to Change

Change can be hard, it`s that simple!

We have all been there at some point, wanting to make a significant change in our lives, only to find ourselves facing resistance.

To understand why change can be so difficult and understand how we can overcome our resistance to change, let`s look at our brains and the role they play in a change process.

Think of your brain as a supercomputer, constantly seeking the path of least resistance to conserve energy. It's like having a default setting for everything we do, from driving to work to brushing our teeth. These automatic patterns are stored in our brain, making many tasks effortless and efficient.

But here's the catch: not all these patterns serve us well. Some habits, like overeating or overthinking, are deeply ingrained in our neural pathways, making them hard to break. And when these habits are fueled by intense emotions, changing them becomes even more challenging.

However, the good news is that our brains are adaptable. Through a process called neuroplasticity, we can create new neural pathways and rewire our brains. But it takes awareness, dedication, and effort (lots of the latter).

Imagine trying to carve a new path while your brain insists on taking the already paved and familiar one it's used to. It's not easy but with commitment and repetition, we can train our brains to adopt new habits. Just like lifting weights or starting a challenging workout regimen, the initial discomfort may seem overwhelming. However, as we persist and integrate discomfort into our daily lives, we begin to see it as a sign of progress rather than a barrier.