Fighting the Resistance Monster: How Small Steps Lead to Big Wins
Picture this: you’ve got a list of things to do, and one task glares at you from the page like a neon sign. It’s not inherently hard—maybe it’s paying a bill, starting a project, following up on an email or cleaning out the garage. But for some reason, you’d rather reorganize your sock drawer or suddenly feel an overwhelming urge to dust behind the refrigerator. Welcome to the world of the Resistance Monster.Resistance isn’t a loud, roaring dragon; it’s more of a sly, whispering goblin. It convinces you that anything—even the most tedious chores—is better than the thing you really need to do. In our family, this monster comes up a lot, especially when the stakes feel high or the task feels overwhelming. But here’s the thing: fighting the Resistance Monster isn’t about heroics; it’s about small, deliberate steps.
Resistance vs. Distraction: Know Your Monster
Let’s get one thing straight: Resistance is not the same as Distraction. Distraction is when you unintentionally veer off course—scrolling through your phone or falling into a YouTube rabbit hole. Resistance, on the other hand, is active avoidance. You’re not just drifting away; you’re deliberately choosing something else to focus on.For example, one of my kids recently decided that reading an entire book was the best way to avoid cleaning their room. “I’ll clean it,” they said, “right after I finish this chapter… or maybe the next one.” Classic Resistance.
Why Do We Resist?
The Resistance Monster feeds on discomfort. Starting something new often feels daunting, and our brains are wired to seek comfort. Why tackle that math problem when the couch looks so inviting? It’s easier to avoid the discomfort altogether than to push through it.But here’s the catch: Resistance doesn’t just delay the task; it makes it bigger, scarier, and more overwhelming the longer you wait. That’s the monster’s cruel joke. By avoiding the thing, you’re actually feeding its power.
Secret Weapons Against Resistance
So, how do we slay the Resistance Monster? Spoiler: it’s not about grand gestures. It’s about finding the smallest possible step forward and building from there.1. Take the First Step (No Matter How Small)
When my kids resist something—whether it’s brushing their teeth or tackling a tough math problem—we break it down. Can you take one step toward the bathroom? Great. Now another. Before you know it, you’re brushing your teeth.
This method works because it lowers the mental hurdle. Instead of focusing on the entire task, you just focus on the next step. Tiny steps build momentum, and once you start moving, it’s easier to keep going.
2. Make It Fun
Can you turn the task into a game? For my son, we’ve turned boring chores into mini challenges. How many steps can you take toward your goal before you earn a break? Can you “beat the clock” and finish before the timer runs out? By gamifying the process, you shift the focus from drudgery to fun.
3. Reconnect with Your Why
Sometimes Resistance isn’t just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about losing sight of why the task matters. This is where returning to your “why” becomes a Secret Weapon. Why do you want to finish your project? Why does it matter? Answering these questions can reignite your motivation.
When my kids resist something—whether it’s brushing their teeth or tackling a tough math problem—we break it down. Can you take one step toward the bathroom? Great. Now another. Before you know it, you’re brushing your teeth.
This method works because it lowers the mental hurdle. Instead of focusing on the entire task, you just focus on the next step. Tiny steps build momentum, and once you start moving, it’s easier to keep going.
2. Make It Fun
Can you turn the task into a game? For my son, we’ve turned boring chores into mini challenges. How many steps can you take toward your goal before you earn a break? Can you “beat the clock” and finish before the timer runs out? By gamifying the process, you shift the focus from drudgery to fun.
3. Reconnect with Your Why
Sometimes Resistance isn’t just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about losing sight of why the task matters. This is where returning to your “why” becomes a Secret Weapon. Why do you want to finish your project? Why does it matter? Answering these questions can reignite your motivation.
Resistance Isn’t Always What It Seems
As we unpacked the Resistance Monster, an interesting question emerged: Is Resistance ever a disguise for something deeper? Sometimes, avoiding a task isn’t about laziness or discomfort; it’s about fear. Fear of failure, fear of not measuring up, or fear of what happens next. Resistance becomes a shield to protect us from those fears.In these cases, tackling Resistance might require more than tiny steps. It might mean pausing to ask yourself what you’re afraid of and addressing that directly. Because the truth is, no monster is as scary as it seems when you shine a light on it.
Stringing Together No-Brainer Steps
One of the most effective strategies we’ve found is to string together a series of “no-brainer” steps. What’s the absolute easiest thing you can do to start moving? Open the app? Write one word? Put your shoes by the door? These micro-actions might seem silly, but they work. By the time you’ve strung a few together, you’ve already built momentum.Resistance and the Power of Choice
Ultimately, fighting Resistance is about reclaiming choice. Every time you take a step—even a tiny one—you’re choosing progress over stagnation. You’re choosing to level up, even if it’s one inch at a time. And the beauty of these small steps is that they add up, turning mountains into molehills.So, the next time you face the Resistance Monster, ask yourself: What’s the smallest, simplest thing I can do right now? Then do it. Because every step you take brings you closer to freedom—and leaves that sneaky monster behind.
Related to this Episode
- #Monsters Collection - Take a peek into the darker side of being a Hero. Do you recognize any of these scary beasts?
- #Hero'sJourney Collection - Explore how the timeless Hero's Journey narrative serves as the scaffolding for the stories we craft, share, and live—both with others and within ourselves.
- #HeroToolshed Collection - Take a peek at some of the key tools our Heroes use everyday to level up their skills and mindset.
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About the Author
Angela is passionate about reshaping the way kids learn and grow. As the co-founder of Acton Academy Northwest Austin,
Angela is dedicated to fostering a learner-driven environment where
curiosity thrives and students take ownership of their educational
journeys. When not working with young heroes, they’re often exploring
big ideas on education, parenting, and lifelong learning right here on
the blog.
Want to learn more about our innovative approach to education? Check out Acton Academy Northwest Austin to see how we’re redefining school for the next generation of curious thinkers and independent learners.
Want to learn more about our innovative approach to education? Check out Acton Academy Northwest Austin to see how we’re redefining school for the next generation of curious thinkers and independent learners.