How to deal with resistance

Changing your lifestyle isn’t always easy. You’re not only prone to unconsciously sabotage your end result, but it could also be the people you surround yourself with that have to get used to your new lifestyle. The most commonly asked questions may sound familiar to you, for example:

1. Oh well, one drink doesn’t hurt, right?
2. Wow, you’re really getting skinny
3. How long will this diet of yours last?
4. When will you be eating normally again?
5. Aren’t you taking this a bit too far?
6. You’re fine the way you are, aren’t you?
7. Don’t be a buzzkill, take some!
8. Is it really healthy what you are doing right now?

We’ve all been there. We’re trying to change our lives (and health) for the better and there’s people around us trying to sabotage us. They probably don’t even realize they are doing it and to them it’s like they are looking out for you. At first you might want to argue with them, because you know you’re doing the right thing and you want to convince them they’re wrong. Along the way you come to realize there’s no point in doing that. You’re not going to convince them and it might even make things worse.

You might recognize some of these moments when you say no again to that slice of pie or refuse to take a drink while watching football. (Nothing wrong with a drink, just an example) It’s because you are taking the step to get out of your comfort zone that they are confronted with themselves not doing it. They will be reminded of the fact that while you are taking steps to take matters in your own hand, that they are doing nothing at all but judging you for doing the right thing. You’re not telling them what to do at all, but they might feel you are by “rubbing it in their faces”.

So how to deal with resistance?

1. Don’t argue with the ones sabotaging you. It will only make matters worse. Stay calm and try to realize why these people are doing it.
2. Change isn’t just hard for you but also for the people surrounding you. Try to take them with you in this process if they are open to it and try to explain what you’re doing and why. Emphasize this is a positive thing for you. Once you start achieving results they will start asking HOW you are doing it, instead of why.
3. You are responsible for your life and your life only. If you know this is best for you, then it doesn’t matter what other people think. It’s your life and the only judge that matters is you.
4. If people after all this time still don’t support you, you might want to ask yourself if these people are the ones you want to surround yourself with. If these people have no positive influence on your life, why bother with them at all?
5. Surround yourself with people like you. People that inspire you and motivate you.
6. Don’t be afraid of people trying to sabotage you. They are going to try anyway. Just accept that these people exist and deal with them accordingly. As long as you’re happy with your choice, that’s all that matters.

Do what works for you, not for someone else!