The mind commands the body and it obeys. The mind orders itself and meets resistance. – Saint Augustine*
Recently the Story has given me several opportunities to resist the Resistance. Resistance is a part of life; consistently it shows up whenever we are in pursuit of something greater.
Part of my professional development involves coaching. As a certified executive coach I witness every day the power of what I do. As a result, I consistently use coaches myself.
Recently, I engaged John Eggen and his team at Mission Publishing. Although I am a published author with two books, I’m ready to write my next book. John and his team have a process to help authors do just that.
If you have not written a book it’s not hard, it’s just not easy. As the desire to write my next book grew there has been resistance.
Why the resistance?
Resistance always shows up when we step up to do something new, creative, greater … something that promises a better future.
What has the resistance to writing this next book sounded like?
- How much will the coaching cost?
- Do you really have time to write a book, right now?
- This book requires a different approach, are you sure you can do it?
- What if you reveal too much of your Next Level coaching process?
- What are you going to say that hasn’t already been said?
- What if you can’t get it done on schedule?
- What if…?
The bottom line: resistance is committed to opposing our progress and knows where to attack with those doubt and fear based suggestions.
Here are a few more characteristics of how the Resistance works; it…
- works in the space between current success and future success
- is an opposing force committed to hindering progress
- tries to create fear so we’re less inclined to take risks in life
- supports our human inclination to resist behavior changes – even when we know it is in our own best interest to do so
When have you ever felt overloaded?
Yes, it is possible to take on too large a load in life. Taking on too much work, stress or difficulty is different than pressing through the resistance.
When it comes to stepping up to a challenge that sense of overload goes with the territory; it is necessary if we’re to become stronger.
In the physical realm of resistance training, Wikipedia describes the two facets:
Resistance training is a form of strength training in which each effort is performed against a specific opposing force generated by resistance (i.e. resistance to being pushed, squeezed, stretched or bent). Exercises are isotonic if a body part is moving against the force. Exercises are isometric if a body part is holding still against the force.
Resistance exercise is used to develop the strength and size of skeletal muscles. Properly performed, resistance training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being. (Emphasis added)
The goal of resistance training, according to the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), is to “gradually and progressively overload the musculoskeletal system so it gets stronger.”
The role of resistance in development, when properly understood and managed, allows us to grow. No matter how good “here” is – what got you here won’t get you “there” to that preferable future.
Courage Required
The Resistance uses intimidation to push against our achievement of something greater. The ancient strategy involves sowing seeds of doubt, often using voices from the past.
Courage is necessary to push through the opposition.
When it comes to courage, Mark Twain is often quoted:
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
In October, with coaching support, I am leaning into this next project. I’ve heard the Resistance and determined to press through to accomplish my goal.
How do you handle the Resistance? Where are you stuck today because of the Resistance creating doubt or fear?
Please comment below.
Newly released, available to you and your team, a must have book:
THE PEOPLE PROJECT:
Your Guide to Changing Behavior and Growing Your Influence as a Leader
Order your copy today!
*Saint Augustine was an ancient Roman Christian Theologian and Bishop of Hippo; 354-430. Source: www.thinkexist.com
Leave a Reply