The Key to Growth in Movement and Beyond
Have you ever had that moment when you’re about to start a workout, and suddenly every fibre of your being screams “Nope, not today!”? Maybe your brain whispers excuses like, “You’re too tired” or “Let’s do it tomorrow.” Funny thing is, this resistance doesn’t just show up in the gym; it can pop up in all areas of life—from trying a new hobby to tackling a daunting project. But here’s the magic: what if we approached this resistance with curiosity instead of avoidance?
Resistance is the Brain's Path to Comfort
First, let's get one thing straight: your brain loves you. Really, it does! It just wants to keep you safe, happy, and (mostly) comfortable. It’s wired to steer you toward the path of least suffering, which often means avoiding anything that feels hard, new, or unfamiliar. This makes total sense from an evolutionary standpoint. Back in the day, staying cosy in the cave was better than wandering out into the wild where, you know, lions lived.
But here’s the thing: while our brains are excellent at avoiding danger, they’re not always the best at recognising when discomfort is actually good for us. Whether it’s stepping into a new yoga class or trying to learn a new language, the brain resists change because it equates effort with potential pain. And yet, it’s in these moments of discomfort that true growth and transformation often occur.
Move Through Resistance with Curiosity
When we feel resistance, it’s easy to shut down and walk away. But what if, instead of running from it, we leaned in? What if we allowed ourselves to get curious about why we’re feeling uncomfortable and explored what our bodies (or minds) are really telling us?
Take movement, for example. Maybe you’ve decided to start a new exercise program, and the first thought that comes up is, “I can’t do this, it’s too hard.” Rather than seeing this as a stop sign, try treating it like a signal—a signpost inviting you to dig a little deeper. Is it that the exercise feels awkward because it’s new? Are you worried about how you look or afraid of failing? Or maybe it’s just the initial challenge that makes you want to tap out.
This is where curiosity becomes your best friend. Instead of labeling the resistance as bad, let’s ask: “What’s really going on here?” Is this discomfort a sign I should stop, or is it simply the edge of my comfort zone, inviting me to grow?
Tuning Into the Body: What Feels Best for You?
Your body is a smart, intuitive guide, but it can only help you if you listen. Sometimes, the resistance is there because what you're doing doesn’t align with your body’s needs. For instance, let’s say you’re in the middle of a strength training session, but your knees are feeling tight and achy. That’s not the type of discomfort to push through—it’s a message that something needs adjusting. In that moment, tuning in and asking, “What feels best for me right now?” can make all the difference. Maybe it’s switching to a low-impact exercise or adjusting your form to avoid strain.
However, it’s important to recognise the difference between discomfort that comes from misalignment and the discomfort that’s simply challenging you to level up. Resistance during a challenging plank hold? That might be your brain resisting hard work because it’s uncomfortable, not because it’s wrong. The more you practice tuning in, the better you’ll become at knowing when to push and when to pivot.
The 7-Minute Rule: A Playful Experiment
Let’s talk about one of my favourite tools for overcoming resistance: the 7-Minute Rule. Here’s how it works: when you’re about to try something new, whether it’s a workout, a hobby, or tackling a task you’ve been putting off, commit to just seven minutes of it. That’s it! Give yourself permission to stop after seven minutes if it’s really not your thing. But here’s the magic—more often than not, once you’ve started, you’ll realise it’s not as bad as you thought, and you might even enjoy it.
This playful little rule works because it bypasses the brain’s natural aversion to long-term commitment. Seven minutes feels doable. It reduces the pressure and gets you over the hump of initial resistance. You’ll find that once you’re in the flow of movement or deep into a task, that resistance melts away, and sometimes you might surprise yourself by sticking with it far longer than you intended.
Lean Into the Uncomfortable Moments
In life, and especially in movement, the uncomfortable moments are often where the magic happens. When you hold a plank for a few more seconds, push through those last reps, or step into a new type of exercise that feels strange at first, you’re building resilience, strength, and confidence. The same is true outside of fitness. Trying new things, challenging yourself in your work, or stepping out of your comfort zone socially can feel awkward at first. But on the other side of that discomfort is often growth, new skills, and even unexpected joy.
Remember, the resistance you feel isn’t your enemy—it’s a guidepost, inviting you to step into something new. It’s okay to feel unsure, it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to adjust course when something genuinely doesn’t feel right. But don’t let resistance be the thing that stops you. Instead, let it spark your curiosity. What could happen if you gave it just a little more time, just a little more patience?
You Never Know, You Might Just Love It!
Here’s the best part about being curious and leaning into resistance: you might just discover something you absolutely love. Whether it’s finding joy in a new form of movement, mastering a challenging skill, or embracing a project you once dreaded, the rewards are often far greater than the initial discomfort.
So the next time you feel that tug of resistance, whether in a workout or any other area of life, remember the 7-minute rule. Get curious. Tune into your body. Lean into the discomfort and see what happens. Because you never know, that thing you’re resisting today might just be the thing that lights you up tomorrow.
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