You finally decide to take on a new challenge—maybe it's learning a new skill, switching careers, or even just waking up earlier to work out. At first, you're excited. The idea of a fresh start or a new opportunity feels invigorating. You picture yourself mastering that skill, excelling in a new role, or finally establishing a consistent morning routine. You make plans, maybe even buy a new planner, sign up for a class, or tell a friend about your goal.
But then, something shifts.
As soon as you start taking action, resistance creeps in. You procrastinate, suddenly remembering all the other things you need to do first. Your motivation wavers. The initial excitement fades, replaced by doubt and hesitation. You tell yourself you’ll start tomorrow, then next week, then maybe when things settle down. A small voice in your head starts whispering reasons why now isn’t the right time—maybe you’re too busy, maybe you’re not ready, or maybe you weren’t cut out for this after all.
And before you know it, you’re right back where you started, stuck in the same routine, wondering why it always seems so hard to follow through on change.
So what’s going on here? Why does your brain hate change? Even if it is wanted change?!
It turns out there’s a biological explanation for this frustrating cycle. Studies in neuroscience reveals that the moment we step outside our comfort zone, our brain triggers a stress response. Understanding why this happens is the first step in learning how to work with your brain, rather than against it, to make meaningful, lasting changes.
The Brain’s Hates Change
Your brain is a prediction machine. It thrives on familiarity because familiar situations are easy to navigate. The more predictable your life, the less energy your brain has to spend figuring things out. That’s why habits—both good and bad—are so powerful. They allow your brain to operate efficiently, without constantly having to make decisions.
But when you try something new, your brain activates its alert system. A region called the amygdala—often associated with fear and stress—sends out a warning: This is unfamiliar. It could be risky. Stay alert!
At the same time, your body releases stress hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol to prepare you for the unknown. These chemicals are useful in small amounts, but too much can make you feel anxious, stuck, or ready to give up before you even start.
So, change isn’t just mentally uncomfortable—it’s biologically uncomfortable.
How to Convince Your Brain to Embrace Change
Your brain is adaptable. That is the good news! If you understand how it reacts to change, you can use strategies to push through the initial discomfort and rewire it for growth.
Label the Discomfort as Progress
Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, explains that stress during learning is actually a good sign. It means your brain is in the process of rewiring itself.
Instead of seeing frustration as a reason to stop, recognize it as evidence that you’re growing. Tell yourself: This resistance means my brain is learning something new.
Shrink the Change
Big, sudden changes trigger the brain’s alarm system. But small, gradual changes slip under the radar.
If your goal is to exercise more, don’t start with an intense hour-long workout. Start with five minutes. If you want to write a book, don’t force yourself to write 1,000 words—start with a sentence.
By taking micro-steps, your brain doesn’t feel as threatened, making it easier to build momentum.
Use the “Physiological Sigh” to Reset
When stress kicks in, use a breathing technique called the physiological sigh—two quick inhales through the nose, followed by a long exhale through the mouth.
Research shows that this type of breathing lowers stress quickly by regulating the nervous system. It’s a tool Huberman recommends for managing stress in real time, whether you’re tackling a new project or stepping into an unfamiliar situation.
Reward the Effort, Not Just the Outcome
Your brain releases dopamine, the "motivation chemical," when it anticipates a reward. But if you only reward yourself when you reach a big goal, your brain won’t get enough reinforcement along the way.
Instead, reward small wins: completing a short workout, making progress on a project, or showing up even when you didn’t feel like it. This keeps dopamine flowing and makes it easier to stay consistent.
Reframe Fear as Excitement
Your brain interprets fear and excitement in a nearly identical way—both increase heart rate, sharpen focus, and trigger adrenaline. The only difference? Your interpretation of the feeling.
Instead of telling yourself I’m nervous about this change, say I’m excited about this opportunity. This shift in perspective can make a huge difference in how your brain processes new challenges.
Final Thoughts
Your brain’s resistance to change isn’t a personal weakness. It’s a built-in survival mechanism. The point is to recognize that the anxiety that surfaces is a body's reaction to change. You cannot eliminate the stress but you can know it and let it glide past you! When you embrace the struggle, reframe discomfort, and work with your brain’s natural processes, you make change easier, more sustainable, and even exciting.
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