When Resistance Shows Up: What It Really Means and What to Do About It.

Hello my lovely,

Let’s talk about something that tends to creep in quietly, just when you’ve decided to stretch, grow, or make a bold, beautiful change in your life.

Resistance

You know the feeling. You set a new goal. You commit to showing up differently. You say yes to your next level… and then? Suddenly, you're tired. Doubt creeps in. You second-guess your timing, your ability, even your worth. You find yourself distracted by things that normally wouldn’t even be on your radar. You feel stuck or frustrated, and you wonder:Why is this happening just when I finally decided to move forward?

Let me reassure you: this is normal. You're not broken. You're not going backwards. You’re growing.

Let’s unpack what’s really going on when resistance shows up, and how to respond with grace, wisdom, and strength.

What Is Resistance?

Resistance is the inner force that rises when you're approaching meaningful growth. It’s not always loud, but it is persistent.

It shows up in sneaky ways:

• Procrastination

• Suddenly being “too busy”

• Emotional heaviness or fatigue

• Doubts and negative self-talk

• Feeling confused or overwhelmed

The truth is, resistance isn’t the problem. It’s the signal. It’s your internal system saying, "We’re leaving the comfort zone, and I’m not sure if that’s safe."

Why Does Resistance Show Up?

Understanding this can give you power over it.

1. The Ego Wants Familiarity, Not Growth

Your ego’s job is to keep you safe. And "safe" often just means "the same." Even when your goal is good and healthy, your ego may interpret it as a threat.

2. Old Beliefs Get Triggered

As you rise, so do the thoughts that once held you back:

“Who do you think you are?”“What if you fail again?”“What if they reject you?”

These are echoes of the past, not the truth.

3. You're Disrupting Your Comfort Zone

Your identity, habits, and relationships may start to shift as you grow. That can feel unsettling, but it’s part of becoming.

4. You’re On Sacred Ground

When resistance shows up, it often means you’re getting closer to your purpose. It’s not trying to stop you, it’s showing you where your transformation lives.

Even the Greats Faced Resistance

You're not alone in this. Writers, leaders, visionaries, even people of deep faith, have all faced resistance.

• Steven Pressfield, in The War of Art, describes resistance as a “repelling force” that rises against meaningful, soul-driven work.

• Carl Jung said, “What you resist, persists,” encouraging us to look at resistance instead of avoiding it.

• And spiritually? Resistance is often seen as a sign you’re crossing into new territory that matters.

We even see this clearly in the Bible.

💬 Nehemiah’s Story

When Nehemiah set out to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, he was mocked, threatened, and sabotaged. But he stayed focused, declaring:

“I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.” Nehemiah 6:3

He trusted God and completed the work, not because there was no resistance, but because he didn't let resistance define the outcome.

And here’s a truth I hold close:

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Resistance is often loudest right before the breakthrough.

What Can You Do When Resistance Comes?

Here’s what I invite you to do this month.

1. See It - Don’t Shame It

Say to yourself:

“This is resistance. It’s here because I’m doing something meaningful.”

Compassion helps you move forward. Shame keeps you stuck.

2. Name It

Pause and ask:

• What exactly am I avoiding?

• What fear might be underneath this?

• What lie might I be believing?

Naming the resistance weakens its grip and brings clarity.

3. Reframe It

Try this journaling tool. Draw two columns like this:

RESISTANCE THOUGHT	REFRAME IT WITH TRUTH
“I’m not ready.”	“I’m growing into readiness.”
“This is too hard.”	“This is stretching me into new strength.”
“What if I fail?”	“What if I learn and rise?”

Let truth lead you, not fear.

Reflecting on Resistance and the Strength I Gained

Whilst writing this blog and reflecting on my own journey, I’m reminded of the moment I chose to reframe resistance, not as a stop sign, but as a sacred stretch.

The words I held onto were:"This is stretching me into new strength."

And because of that choice, despite everything I faced, the first half of this year has blossomed in powerful, tangible ways. Here's what that strength has carried me through:

• 🌿 23 women successfully graduated from Module 1 of my Accredited Level 3 Authentic Self-Leadership Course.

• 🌸 I hosted my very first Authentic Woman Conference with 8 incredible women in my circle and who I am honoured that I can call my friends, speaking life and truth, and attendees experiencing real transformation.

• 📘 I completed Year 1 of my Therapeutic Counselling Level 4 Diploma a huge commitment and a testimony to my consistency and calling.

• 💫 I relaunched the Authentic Monthly Life Review Coaching Group, offering women steady support, reflection, and alignment throughout the year.

• 🖊️ I designed and wrote the Authentic Monthly Life Review Coaching Workbook & Journal a beautiful, practical tool now in the hands of women journeying toward their best selves.

• 📖 I’m on track to complete another book, with thousands of words written and my message coming together powerfully.

• 💎 I’m growing my meaningful jewellery collection, with more women wearing pieces that reflect their truth and purpose.

• 🧘🏾‍♀️ I am preparing to host my first Authentic Woman Retreat fully booked and filled with women ready to reset, reflect, and rise.

• 🏆 I’ve been nominated for two Multicultural Excellence Awards, which feels like a public affirmation of the private work I’ve committed to for years, for which I'm grateful.

• 🎙️ I’ve continued developing my Authentic Turning Point podcast and YouTube show, opening space for truth-telling and healing conversations.

And more is still unfolding and guess what? Self-care, Self-love and Self-compassion are my priority and at the top of my list, I am looking after myself and I suggest you do the same too!

I can see so clearly now: resistance wasn’t the block, it was the refiner and from it, strength has grown, vision has stretched, and purpose has deepened.

Final Encouragement

If resistance is showing up in your life right now, take heart.

You’re not failing. You’re becoming.

You are doing a great work and you cannot come down.

So take a breath. Listen in and keep going.

You are not behind.

You are not alone.

You are being transformed.

With love, truth and grace,

Andrea 💖

Founder of Authentic Woman