Are you facing opposition or resistance from others?
Often, when we take up a cause of any kind, we find others standing up against us. Being the initiator or champion of change is a difficult job!
The conflict from such opposition is often tiring and discouraging.
However, we should view it in a completely different light. We should be thankful for it!
Why people offer opposition to our efforts
A lot of people seem to despise change even if it is ultimately for the better. Change implies a move in a new direction into the unknown.
Spouses can fear us seeking a new job or starting our own business. Employees can fear reorganizations or changes in compensation plans. Whole segments of society can fear changes in immigration or gun control laws.
People often imagine the worst case scenario when they picture change in their mind. Therefore, they resist and oppose such change.
They will argue with you. They will stall. They will attempt to create roadblocks. They will whine. They will fuss. They will incite others against you. They will often do everything in their power to obstruct, disrupt, dissuade, discourage and delay whatever it is you are doing that they don’t like.
It is exhausting trying to stroke these people and calm their fears. However, it is essential to accomplish your bigger objective.
The good news about facing opposition and resistance
People that are facing such opposition are the very ones that are making good things happen in our businesses, families and government. They refuse to just go along with the status quo.
Change just for the sake of change is no good, but those that can influence an organization or family to change for the better are the kind of leaders we need.
These leaders of change are the kind of people that earn the big bucks. They are the kind that get to stick around during a layoff and they are the ones that get promoted.
So, the good news is that if you are facing opposition, if you are ruffling people’s feathers by pushing them to get better, then you must be doing something right!
Congratulate yourself because you are on the right path!
On the other hand, if your days are peaceful and easy, if you seldom feel anyone pushing back against what you are trying to accomplish, then you should be worried.
You probably need to step it up a notch. You need to turn up the tempo. You need to go out and find a cause to make your own.
Find a cause, make a stand and welcome the opposition!
Complacency is peaceful, but it is dangerous. It is seriously more threatening to your well-being than any resistance you might encounter.
Do not let another day go by without stirring up some resistance by initiating meaningful and needed change!
If you are already feeling the opposition, then sit back for a moment and smile. You are on the path to success!
What have you done lately that was met with opposition? Let me know!
Photo by rocketjim54
Jeff, I must be doing something right because I am stirring up things big time. LOL. Great post; made me feel great!
Read Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s latest article – To Think or Not to Think – Your Fundamental Life Decision
“If you are already feeling the opposition, then sit back for a moment and smile. You are on the path to success!”
I want to get that taped over my computer monitor. Awesome and inspiring.
Read Christopher´s latest article – Duo’s Secret Acts of Kindness for a Month
Thanks for this Jeff,
Every progressive thinker in history has had to deal with opposition. New ideas disrupt the status quo and that makes people uncomfortable. Another, even more personal aspect of this problem is internal opposition. When we get in our own way and thus create resistance to our own progress. Whether from an external or internal source, opposition is often based on fear of change. We can apply your advice effectively in either case.
Read Jonathan – Advanced Life Skills´s latest article – When Your Inner Voice Speaks Do You Listen?
I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one that has experienced some opposition! It is nice to know that others identify with this as well.
Thanks for letting me know!
you wanted to know what we’ve done that was met with opposition? well, i wrote an article about women in ministry and leadership for a religious website. i encouraged gender reconciliation and women to step up and be the leaders and ministers that they feel GOD has called them to be. talk about stirring up controversy! imagine my surprise when i found out i’m an angry feminist with a political agenda who practically blasphemed GOD! hey, thanks tremendously for this post. i was feeling a little discouraged and misunderstood. now i feel much, much better! appreciate it!
.-= hope hammond´s last blog ..ugliness is part of the journey =-.