Actual Fear
There are a number of common fears that can be mistaken for resistance to change. Be aware of them and deal with the actual fear rather than calling all fears ‘resistance’.
Here are some examples of fears that look like resistance:
1. Fear of the unknown
Not knowing what to expect occurs when we don’t have enough information about the change and we’re expected to take a ‘leap of faith’. This can result in a lot of anxious feelings.
2. Fear of failure
This fear works closely with the need for perfection and makes us worry about not getting things right. It makes sense that the best way to avoid the pain of failing is not to do anything at all.
3. Fear of success
Marianne Williamson has written that “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?”
It’s as if we don’t believe we deserve success.
To reduce this fear of change we need to know our values and remain true to them.
4. Fear of loss
Loss is often a part of change. Change can mean that we lose friends, our salary, or even our parking space! Other losses are not as obvious such as the the loss of known routines or the things that define who we are (like a job title, or a position).
5. Fear of upsetting others
The change can be positive. But the fear of upsetting others can really limit what we do.
6. Fear of leaving a comfort zone
Like it or not we are creatures of habit. We like our routines and don’t like to be faced with the unknown.
Comfort zones may be safe but we can’t grow or experience anything new.
