Personal resistance
As we navigate systems change we may also encounter resistance within ourselves. Given that resistance is a natural force, it is no surprise that it exists within us. When we feel resistance emerging in us we can remember that it’s a natural response. Our goal is not to block it, but to embrace it and get curious about it.
When we use systemic thinking we remember that we are both impacted by and impacting the systems, organizations and communities in which we are seeking to create equity. We are embedded in these ecosystems that carry with them generations of historical trauma as well as present day oppression. Feelings of discomfort are inevitable when working to create equitable change in the world we live in today.
We can find ourselves feeling resistant for a variety of reasons. Resistance can be an important indicator that can provide us valuable insight. Are we feeling resistant because we are being asked to compromise our core values? Or because there is a lack of accountability, trust and safety? In these instances, resistance may be an important way to exercise our power and agency.
At other times, we may feel resistant because we are ill-equipped and don’t feel ready to take on what is being asked of us. Or because we feel uncertain, overwhelmed or threatened and feel pulled to protect ourselves. In these cases, we may need to reflect on what support we need to allow our resistance to soften so that we can remain engaged in seeking to advance equity.
Reminders to reflect on:
- What does resistance feel like in your body? What are the indicators that you are feeling resistant?
- You’ve been resistant before and you’ve overcome it before – it will soften over time. What has helped you overcome resistance in the past?
- What do you need (context, support, skill, etc)? What would build your capacity to lean into what you are feeling resistant around?
- What is my role in contributing to resistance? Am I blocking positive change?
Resistance rooted in fear
Often resistance emerges from discomfort around the unknown. In other words, it is fueled by our fears. Fear of failure, fear of adaptive change, fear of uncertainty. We are set-up to be afraid because as adults we constantly receive the message that we should already know what we are doing and that we should be able to do it alone.
The reality of creating equitable systems change is that it will require stepping into the unknown. We have never created equitable systems before, as a result we cannot know all of what is