“Resistance is a powerful motivator precisely because it enables us to fulfill our longing to achieve our goals while letting us boldly recognize and name the obstacles to those achievements.”
― Derrick A. Bell , Author

We often resist what is next for us.  Resistance is a powerful ally, familiar to us in our daily lives.  It is misidentified by the words: “I don’t want to.”  We use them to explain to ourselves and to others why we are resisting something.

Resistance is different than want.  Resistance is: refusal to accept something new or different: effort made to stop or to fight against someone or something: the ability to prevent something from having an effect. -Merriam-Webster

Want is: to desire or wish for (something): to need (something): to be without (something needed) -Merriam-Webster

As you can see from the definitions, resistance is more powerful, active and decisive than wanting or not wanting something.

Of course, both are valid if we know that they are different and represent a different part of our selves.  The problem lies in thinking that because we don’t want something, it’s valid to assume that it does not have to be examined more closely.  As Derrick Bell says, resistance can be a powerful ally.  It allows us to examine what we are intentional about achieving.  We can analyze what obstacles are in our way and be strategic about how to handle the obstacles.  We may not want to take the actions necessary, but analyzed, we find that our goal compels us to take them anyway.

This is a valuable distinction for business entrepreneurs.  By examining our resistance, we can then decide if and how we will move forward.  With resistance as our guide, we will not linger in the dark recesses of indecision.  Resistance is not only our guide, it is a powerfully ally.

I look forward to hearing from you and what you think about resistance and wanting.  Please use the space below to comment.