We all want the shortcut, the easy button. But in life and leadership, growth doesn’t happen where things are easy. It happens where things feel uncomfortable, awkward, or even scary.
As Josh Waitzkin puts it in The Art of Learning: “Growth comes at the point of resistance. We learn by pushing ourselves and finding what really lies at the outer reaches of our abilities.”
That truth has played out in my own journey, again and again.
Resistance is a Signal, Not a Stop Sign
Over time, I’ve come to see resistance not as a wall, but as a dashboard light. When I feel hesitation, fear, or avoidance around something, I now ask: What if this is pointing me to the next area I need to grow?
That shift in mindset changed everything.
Early in my business, I hated marketing. I avoided it like the plague until I realized it wasn’t a barrier, but a clue. I needed to lean in, study it, and stretch myself. The same was true for having hard conversations, something I used to avoid as a people-pleaser. But growth came when I stopped running and started leaning.
Why We Avoid the Hard Things
It’s human nature. Our fight, flight, or freeze instincts tell us to run from discomfort. But if we always play it safe, we stay the same. And leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers can’t afford to stay the same.
How to Know Where You Need to Grow
Here’s the litmus test:
- What are you avoiding right now?
- What do you keep putting off, or feel a little scared to face?
Those might be the exact areas where resistance is quietly offering you your next growth opportunity.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself, Just Take One Step
Growth doesn’t require a giant leap. It starts with a single, intentional step.
- Read one book on the subject.
- Listen to one podcast episode.
- Reach out to one mentor or coach.
Start there. Then take the next step. And the next.
The resistance you feel isn’t the enemy. It’s your guide. Lean into it. Let it stretch you. And trust that on the other side, a stronger, wiser version of you is waiting.
Until next time, make today GREAT!
P.S. Ready to stretch into your next level of leadership? Click here to schedule a strategy call to explore how coaching can help you overcome resistance and elevate your performance.