Why are we really resistant to change?

In the past, I found it hard to understand why some of my clients are resistant to any change I suggest for them to feel better.

Change might take the form of changing their diet, doing more exercise or managing their stress.

Common excuses implementing change include:

“It’s too hard.”

“I don’t have the time.”

In the past, I would outwardly say I understood but inwardly roll my eyes in frustration.

Why would somebody choose to feel terrible even though they knew if they didn’t eat wheat they would feel better?

A possible answer to this question came to me while listening to a new book entitled, the body keeps the score.

In the book, the author describes how obese people do not want to lose weight because they gain a psychological benefit of being that way.

For example, one child felt more comfortable being heavy because it stopped other kids bullying him.

This is, of course, a relatively extreme example of why someone would be resistant to change but my sense is that the same idea can be applied to anyone resisting change.

It begs to ask a deeper question.

Why are we really resistant to change?

Disclaimer

This article in not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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