Change: Why don’t we like it?
“I don’t like changes” is a common phrase reflecting people’s reluctance to leave familiar routines or habits. Additionally, many individuals prefer continuing established patterns, choosing comfort and stability over uncertainty and the challenges that change introduces. Moreover, resistance often arises from fear, self-doubt, or anxiety about losing control during periods of transformation. Ultimately, understanding these reasons helps individuals confront resistance and develop healthier approaches to embracing necessary life changes.
Understanding Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations for Change
Let’s examine the reasons why people embrace change, considering both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations influencing behaviour and decision-making processes. Additionally, extrinsically motivated changes occur when outside influences demand adjustments, often tied to rewards, obligations, or imposed expectations. Moreover, such changes commonly create resistance since individuals perceive them as limiting independence and undermining their ability to choose. Furthermore, imposed adjustments may cause frustration, leading people to feel controlled or dissatisfied with their circumstances and environment. Equally, resistance highlights the natural human desire for autonomy, freedom, and self-determination in managing personal and professional paths. Ultimately, understanding these motivational dynamics enables individuals to navigate change more effectively, balancing external demands with internal fulfilment.
In contrast, intrinsically motivated change occurs when individuals pursue goals independently, aligning choices with their personal values and aspirations. Equally, such decisions create sustainable growth, resilience, and fulfilment, since motivation comes from within rather than external pressures or expectations. Moreover, intrinsic change often results in deeper satisfaction and long-term commitment, encouraging individuals to embrace personal development wholeheartedly. Recognising intrinsic and extrinsic motivations enables people to better understand behaviour and adapt effectively to inevitable life changes.
Zero Resistance Mindset and the Power of Intrinsic Change
When motivation comes from within, individuals are less fearful of change and more willing to embrace transformative opportunities wholeheartedly. Additionally, intrinsic motivation empowers people to pursue meaningful goals without external pressure, fostering resilience and genuine personal satisfaction throughout transitions. Moreover, choosing change autonomously enhances confidence, as individuals recognise the decision originates from their own values and aspirations. Furthermore, intrinsically motivated changes often lead to fulfilling life experiences that encourage growth, adaptability, and self-discovery beyond comfort zones. Deciding to quit a job and travel the world exemplifies the power of intrinsic motivation in creating profound change.
Zero Resistance Mindset in Embracing Life Changes
On the other side, imposed changes often feel disruptive and trigger resistance in daily routines. Additionally, these extrinsically motivated changes usually connect to external rewards or expectations rather than personal choice. Moreover, individuals tend to dislike them because they undermine autonomy and limit personal control over decisions. Furthermore, workplace examples include bosses enforcing changes without consultation, forcing employees to adapt quickly and unwillingly. Ultimately, imposed changes highlight the challenges of adjusting routines when control is removed from individual hands.
Final Thoughts on Zero Resistance Mindset
To finish off, change provides opportunities for growth, offering fresh experiences that strengthen resilience and encourage continuous personal development throughout life. Additionally, embracing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations enables individuals to create meaningful progress while adapting to inevitable transitions and challenges. Moreover, recognising change as a catalyst for transformation empowers us to reframe difficulties into opportunities for renewal and self-discovery. As Pauline R. Kezer once said: “Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.”
Written by Esther
Esther is an assistant psychologist at Willingness. She works with adults and couples. In addition, she has a special interest in mental health. She can be contacted on esther@willingness.com.mt.
