As humans, we are very much affected by how we feel. In many cases, our emotions lead us down the wrong path. Why does that happen? Because, whilst we all feel emotions, and are compelled by them, we don’t always take the time to understand what they mean and why they are there. I often feel a resistance to do certain things. When we feel resistance, we often avoid that which we resist. However, I want to explain to you in this blog why resistance may actually be a green light.
It was cold outside this morning when my alarm went off at 4:52am. I woke with a start out of a deep sleep and, whilst I was snuggled up warm and cozy in my bed, I felt immediate resistance. To what? To what I was planning to do in that moment. I was resisting getting up, I was resisting going outside, and I was resisting the training session I chose to do. The great news is that despite my resistance, I got up anyway, faced the chilly weather, completed my training session, and now I feel great and glad I did it.
What else do I resist? Lots of things, like; jogging on the spot to get my steps up, my morning affirmations, prayer, making phone calls which may lead to rejection, having difficult conversations, eating salad when I feel like pasta, drinking water rather than something flavoured, writing, editing podcasts, and the list goes on. So, with all the things I resist, what don’t I resist? Also, many things, like; watching TV, sitting on the couch, chocolate, nanna naps, avoiding uncomfortable things, cheese, making excuses, and again, the list goes on.
As I study those two lists, and I would encourage you to do the same, I notice something significant. Do you see it too? If not, have another look, because when you see it, you can’t unsee it. It could be the thing that changes everything in your life, as it has in mine. So, what is it? All the things I resist are the things I get to do to be better in my life. Do you notice that also, when you look at the things you tend to resist? Okay, what about the things we don’t resist? Mmm, seems like a pattern appearing to me. You too? Most of the things I don’t resist are the things that are not enhancing my life or helping me become the best I can be.
So then, if the things I feel resistance towards are the things I choose to do that will help me be healthier, happier, more purposeful, better with people, and move me forward in all areas of life, then I should see that resistance as a sign. In fact, the feeling of resistance I feel should be the green light to take action on the very thing I am resisting. I should get excited when I feel resistance. I should get started when I feel resistance. I should use resistance as my guide to exactly what I should be doing. And, guess what? The same applies to you.
As you get into your day, I am sure there are things you resist. You can either let resistance win and avoid those things you are resisting. Or, if your life is important enough and the influence you have on the people you care about is a priority, then let resistance be the green light. When the light changes to green, we put our foot on the accelerator, and we go. Right? So, as soon as you feel any resistance to doing something you know will enhance your life or the life of someone you care about, then put your foot on the accelerator and go.
It sounds easy, but we all know it’s not. However, it’s simply a mindset, and over time, with the right focus, it will get easier and easier. In fact, in time, those things that you are currently resisting will become things you will embrace. To help you on the journey, listen to my two podcasts this week, Keeping your cool, with Saara Jamieson, and The sounds of silence, with Rich Lewis.
If you resisted reading this blog, but did it anyway, well done. How do you feel? Are you proud of yourself? We are always proud of ourselves for doing the things we resist, so I want to encourage you to really embrace this idea. If the things you resist are the things that will enhance your life and help you have a more positive impact on others, then I want to encourage you to allow resistance to be your green light.