Resistance gets a bad rap. We’re often told it feels like a struggle, like we’re fighting against something or moving in the wrong direction. But that might not always be the case.
Sometimes, resistance does come from doing something we’re not meant to do or heading in a direction that isn’t right for us (because everyone’s path is different). Every task is its own journey, and there’s pressure to perform from all sides. At times, the light at the end of the tunnel feels elusive—like it’s dusk. Everything is just a little dim—not bright enough to see clearly but not dark enough to reveal the faint glow of hope.
Resistance can also show up when we’re on the right path but trying to force things to happen faster than they’re meant to.
Have you ever known deep down that you’re heading in the right direction, yet nothing seems to be going according to plan (assuming you even had one to begin with)? So, you push harder. You plan harder. You try to MAKE things happen… exactly the way you envision them. But here’s the thing: when you put on blinders—like those used on horses—you focus solely on what’s right in front of you. Yes, you block out distractions, but you also shut out inspiration and nuance that might be just outside your line of sight. Then, BAM! The universe hits you with a metaphorical 2x4 (yes, that’s a plank of wood, for those unfamiliar).
When inspiration fades, it’s easy to lose motivation, too. We slow down. And then, ironically, we PUSH even harder. We still want what we want, and it feels so close, almost within reach. But the harder we work and the more we force, the greater the resistance grows. It becomes a vicious cycle, making our goals harder to achieve and potentially less satisfying when we finally do.
Take a moment today to sit with your goals, intentions, and aspirations for the year. Reflect on these questions:
Which goals might be just slightly out of alignment for now, or perhaps lingering in your peripheral vision?
Where might you be forcing a triangle into a round hole (thank you, Missy Higgins) with a metaphorical sledgehammer?
Sometimes, the key isn’t to push harder but to pause, adjust, and flow.
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