Brené with Lisa Lahey on Immunity to Change, Part 1 of 2
Nov 21, 2022
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Lisa Lahey, Harvard faculty member, discusses immunity to change with Brené Brown. They explore personal struggles with change, the power of vulnerability, and the complexities of human behavior. Topics include resistance to transformation, dangers of goal setting for external validation, and the importance of self-reflection in achieving goals.
Change is hindered by unconscious motivations, leading to a cycle of progress and regression.
Change requires addressing unseen motivations that can derail progress, not solely relying on willpower.
Deep dives
Understanding the Desire to Transform vs. Resistance to Change
People often aspire to transform aspects of their lives, holding noble intentions and aspirations as their driving force. However, the process of change is hindered by unconscious motivations that are not always apparent. Despite sincere intentions to change, individuals may find themselves at odds with hidden forces, leading to a cycle of progress and regression. This discrepancy between wanting to transform and resisting change is a common human experience explored through personal anecdotes and academic theories.
Challenging the Myth that Willpower Alone Drives Change
Contrary to popular belief, change does not solely rely on the sheer willpower of individuals. While motivation plays a role in initiating change, it is not sufficient for lasting transformation. Even with genuine intentions and clear goals, the presence of unseen motivations can derail progress. The podcast delves into the complexities of change dynamics, highlighting the need to address underlying factors that often go unnoticed.
Reframing Goals for Self-Awareness and Accountability
The discussion shifts towards a profound self-examination of behaviors that impede personal growth and development. By reframing goals to focus on individual accountability and self-awareness, listeners are encouraged to identify patterns of self-sabotage and unintended consequences. This introspective journey facilitates a deeper understanding of how one's actions either align with or counteract their stated objectives.
Embracing Empowerment Through Self-Reflection and Acceptance
Through the process of acknowledging and confronting self-defeating behaviors, individuals can experience a sense of empowerment and liberation. By recognizing their role in perpetuating obstacles to change, there is a shift towards self-compassion and personal responsibility. The podcast emphasizes the transformative power of self-reflection and acceptance, paving the way for meaningful growth and authentic change.
I don’t like to think of myself as someone who’s averse to change. But, man, am I averse to change. Enter the amazing Lisa Lahey. She is a Harvard Graduate School of Education faculty member who has built a body of work to help learners and leaders overcome the innate human aversion to change. And I thought, when I asked her to join us for a two-parter on this podcast, that we’d talk about the “immunity to change” theory — how change happens, why it’s so hard — from an academic perspective. Instead, she walks me through a very personal struggle around something in my life that I’ve desperately wanted to change but just seemingly cannot.