There’s a deep, constant tension within each of us—a tug-of-war between two powerful forces.

On one side, we crave growth. We have an innate drive to explore, create, and expand. We seek new experiences, resources, and knowledge. This is the force pushing us toward change, the part of us that says, “There’s more out there.”

On the other side, we feel the need to stay safe, conserve energy, and avoid unnecessary risks. This force pulls us toward the familiar, the safe, and the predictable—the part of us that whispers, “Stay where you are. Don’t rock the boat.”

So why do we resist change, even when it promises growth?

The answer may be deeply rooted in evolution. For our ancestors, conserving energy wasn’t just a smart strategy—it was a matter of survival. Running out of energy, whether due to food scarcity or physical exhaustion, often meant death. Food, such as fish, and even food-related knowledge, like coordinates to a fish-rich river, were seen as energy sources vital for survival.

Our minds evolved to protect us, ensuring that the energy we expended was carefully balanced with the energy we gained.

However, hunter-gatherers couldn’t avoid change—or energy consumption—especially for survival. They had to expend energy to forage, explore, and discover new sources of food, water, and other essential resources, constantly seeking new energy sources to survive and thrive.

In today’s world, with endless options and demands, it’s natural for the brain to default to resistance or procrastination rather than action. This instinct to conserve energy is still at play, holding us back even when change could bring growth.

This dynamic also explains organisational and personal inertia. In both settings, the tendency to stick with what feels safe and familiar can prevent us from making important changes, even when those changes are clearly beneficial. Whether it’s resisting new workflows at work or avoiding personal lifestyle improvements, the same energy-preserving instinct is at work.

The Mental Map: Navigating the World

When we encounter or anticipate change, the mental map we use to navigate life quickly becomes outdated. And that’s where the real struggle begins.

Updating the map requires effort and energy. The mind senses disruption, perceives the potential energy drain, and instinctively resists. Change feels chaotic. It throws us off balance, and we instinctively defend our energy reserves.

This resistance isn’t stubbornness—it’s protection. The brain asks, “Is this change really worth the effort?”

Resistance as Energy Conservation

Viewed this way, resistance to change isn’t just about laziness or fear—it’s about actual or perceived survival. Our brains want to ensure that the energy we invest in adapting to change will lead to something better.

How to Ease Resistance

So, how do we work with this natural resistance and make change easier to accept?

• Break Changes Down: Don’t overwhelm people with large, sweeping changes. Introduce them in smaller, manageable steps. Each step feels less like a shock and more like a natural progression.
• Provide Support: Equip people with the tools, training, and support they need to adapt without depleting their energy. Ensure they feel prepared so that the energy cost feels manageable.
• Communicate the Value: People need to see the reward. Help them understand why the change is worth the effort. When they believe their energy investment will lead to positive outcomes, including conserving energy in the long term, the brain lowers its defenses, and resistance fades.

Embracing Change

Once we manage the energy demands of change, resistance softens. The mind relaxes its grip, allowing us to embrace the growth and opportunities that change brings. By mastering the balance between exploration and energy conservation, we empower ourselves to navigate change with greater ease and purpose.

How do you handle change in your organization? Share your thoughts below!

Philippos