Emotional Resistance Almost Paralysed Me — Until I Did This One Thing

5 lies your inner critic tells you that are holding you back right now

A person standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at a serene lake.
A person standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at a serene lake. Image by Keith Williams

Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at a beautiful, serene lake. You know you want to jump, but something holds you back.

That’s emotional resistance — it’s like a chain wrapped around your ankles, keeping you from taking the leap.

For years, I struggled with it, until I discovered the one thing that set me free.

I’m about to show you how to identify and overcome the lies your inner critic tells you.

By the end, you’ll have the tools to break free from emotional resistance and finally take that jump.


🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Identify the 5 common lies your inner critic tells you.
  • Understand the root causes of emotional resistance.
  • Learn practical steps to overcome these lies and take action.
  • Discover the power of self-compassion and positive affirmations.

📚 Table of Contents

· Definition of Emotional Resistance
· The 5 Lies of Your Inner Critic
· Breaking Free: Practical Steps
· Your Questions Answered
· Wrapping Up

Definition of Emotional Resistance

Emotional resistance is a protective mechanism our minds use to keep us safe. It’s like a guard dog that barks at anything unfamiliar.

However, at times, this guard dog can become excessively cautious, preventing us from engaging in experiences that may foster our personal development.

Emotional resistance can manifest through procrastination, perfectionism, and avoidance, among other behaviours.

  • Procrastination: Putting off tasks because we’re afraid of failure.
  • Perfectionism: Never finishing projects because they’re not “perfect” enough.
  • Avoidance: Avoiding new experiences because they might be uncomfortable.

Indeed, emotional resistance is conquerable with persistence and self-awareness.

The journey to overcoming emotional resistance begins with identifying and acknowledging the falsehoods perpetuated by our inner critic.

The 5 Lies of Your Inner Critic

Lie 1: You’re Not Good Enough

This is perhaps the most common lie our inner critic tells us.

It’s the voice that says we’re not smart enough, talented enough, or skilled enough to achieve our dreams.

But here’s the thing: no one is born perfect. We all have to start somewhere, and improvement comes with practice.

Lie 2: Failure is Inevitable

Our inner critic loves to predict doom and gloom.

It tells us that failure is certain, which can lead us to question the point of trying at all.

But failure is a natural part of life. It’s how we learn and grow. Every setback is an opportunity for growth that paves the way for success.

Lie 3: You Don’t Deserve Success

This lie often stems from low self-esteem.

It makes us believe that success is for other people, not us.

But the truth is, everyone deserves to be happy and successful. We just need to believe in ourselves.

Lie 4: Change is Too Hard

Change can be scary, and our inner critic uses this fear to keep us stuck.

It tells us that change is too difficult, too uncomfortable.

But change is also necessary for growth. It’s how we evolve and become better versions of ourselves.

Lie 5: Others Will Judge You

This lie is rooted in the fear of rejection.

It makes us worry about what others will think if we fail.

But the truth is, most people are too busy worrying about their own lives to judge ours. And those who do judge are often not worth our time.

Breaking Free: Practical Steps

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Fears

A crucial initial step in conquering emotional resistance is to consciously acknowledge and address your fears.

Write them down and talk about them with a trusted friend or therapist. Addressing them openly makes them less intimidating.

Step 2: Challenge the Lies

Once you’ve identified the lies your inner critic tells you, challenge them.

  • Ask yourself if this statement holds true.
  • Look for evidence that contradicts these lies.

For example, if you think you’re not good enough, remember times when you succeeded.

Step 3: Use Positive Affirmations

Replace the negative thoughts with positive affirmations.

Tell yourself, “I am good enough,” “I deserve success,” and “Change is good for me.”

Repeat these affirmations daily until they become your new belief system.

Step 4: Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for making mistakes.

Instead, treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.

Self-compassion is key to overcoming emotional resistance.

Your Questions Answered

How do I know if I’m dealing with emotional resistance?

Recognise emotional resistance if you notice patterns of procrastination, avoidance of new opportunities, or heightened anxiety towards change.

Can emotional resistance be completely overcome?

Although emotional resistance may remain present to some extent, it can be greatly diminished through awareness and proactive strategies. The key is to recognise it and manage it effectively.

What if I try and still fail?

Embrace failure as a natural aspect of life. The crucial aspect is to extract lessons from it and persist in your endeavours. Each failure brings you one step closer to success.

How do I deal with the fear of what others think?

Remember that most people are too focused on their own lives to judge yours. And those who do judge are often dealing with their own insecurities.

What if I don’t believe in myself?

Start by setting small, achievable goals and gradually work towards them. Each small success will build your confidence and self-belief.

Wrapping Up

Emotional resistance is a powerful force, but it doesn’t have to control your life.

Through identifying the falsehoods perpetuated by your inner critic and actively working to overcome them, you can liberate yourself from the shackles of fear and self-doubt.

Remember, you are good enough, deserving of success, and capable of embracing change without being defined by others’ opinions.

It’s time to take that leap and step boldly into the future.


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