AtQ – Where Do You Resist Change?

Exploring Powerful Questions

In the most recent Talking Note I explored the idea of a transformational core. That is, an internal disposition that leans into and aligns with the reality of change. This idea is possible for both individuals and communities and requires a particular environment in order for it to work well. The questions that may arise from this kind of proposed paradigm shift are twofold. There are a series of questions that address identifying our present disposition. Then there are a series of questions that will encourage the shift in disposition.

We’ll start with the first kind of question. When thinking of paradigm shifts, it is enough to begin with identifying where we are. And so, we can ask:

Where do you generally resist change?

This, of course, is an extremely broad question. Experiences of resistance can come at any of the five stages of change – pre-contemplation, contemplation, decision, action, and maintenance. Some may remain in pre-contemplation, not wanting to address something that needs addressing, or not realizing it even exists. Others may linger in contemplation. Decisions may be made cognitively but never followed through. Action may be hard to initiate. That’s to say little about entering into maintenance of a new pattern of thought and action.

The experience of resistance can also vary depending on the thing we are working on changing. Some changes may be thought of as difficult and come easily, while others approached as easy may end up being quite challenging.

The question we are asking here aims to identify the general point of resistance so we can move to the next question…