Internal and External Resistance That Prevent Our Progress

We are all aware that we can face both internal and external resistance on our journey towards progress.

External resistance takes the form of people and circumstances in our environment that pose obstacles in our path, while internal resistance consists of the inner barriers hindering our advancement.

External Resistance as a Reflection of Our Internal Resistance

A deeper understanding of resistance reveals the interconnected nature of external and internal resistance. The external obstacles we encounter often mirror our negative beliefs and fears.

How to Identify Our Inner Resistance

In our pursuit of progress and the realization of our goals, we sometimes find ourselves perplexed when things do not unfold as we envision. Yet, by “listening” to the thoughts that arise in our minds and tuning into our emotions, we can unearth crucial insights. The thoughts that something is impossible to achieve, that we are not deserving, and that we are incapable, arise from our subconsciousness and conflict our idea of progress. The accompanying emotions are typically a sense of worthlessness, a sense of powerlessness and fears. Thus, if we pay attention to our inner world, we will see the signs of our resistance.

For example, when I aspire to live a life of ease and abundance, I may hear thoughts like:

• People with wealth are self-absorbed and selfish, and I want no part in that
• Earning enough money would require excessive hard work, which I am unwilling to undertake
• Pursuing abundance might mean sacrificing time with my family, and family is my top priority
• Achieving more could lead to the loss of friends as I improve my circumstances
• Others might resort to harm or deceit to take what I have

What Can We Resist?

The objects of our resistance may encompass people, circumstances, emotions, character traits, and the prevailing mindset of our environment. We can even resist certain sensory experiences, such as smells, sounds, tastes, or physical touch. Resistance may extend to past events and future uncertainties, demonstrating that we can resist almost anything. It is noteworthy that inner resistance can sometimes manifest physically, even in the form of allergies.

Can We Make Progress if We Have Inner Resistance?

In most cases, inner resistance acts as a formidable barrier to achieving our mental desires.

Attempting various approaches and strategies to bypass the inner resistance often proves futile. It’s like pushing a boat anchored in place with full throttle, which merely results in burned-out engines.

So, is it possible to overcome inner resistance?

How to Overcome Inner Resistance

The part of ourselves generating inner resistance is not an adversary. Often, it seeks to shield us from potential harm. Another reason for resistance is the fear of becoming a “bad” person if we attain our desires. For instance, acquiring a loving partner may trigger one’s worst behaviour, leading to unkindness. The acquisition of wealth might foster entitlement and self-absorption. Similarly, being healthy may deprive us from nurturing we receive from family members when being sick. These beliefs are diverse, shaped by our life experiences and inherited convictions.

Addressing resistance in both scenarios follows a similar pattern.

The Paradox-x Method has developed processes to help you overcome your inner resistance.

The first step involves careful listening to the resistant part within us, aiming to understand its motives rather than placing blame. The second step is to seek common ground between the part of us desiring progress and the resistant part. By finding scenarios where the resistant part can endorse progress, we can address its fears or concerns. If fear is the primary issue, we can explore ways to progress without endangering ourselves. If a change in character is the concern, we can identify virtues and character traits to improve upon. And commit to improvement.

Practically, attaining an inner agreement between our resistant part and the part yearning for progress eliminates the brakes on our journey toward achieving our desires.