11: Rise Above Resistance: The Life-Changing Magic of Taking Risks

Today we’re diving deep into something we all face, whether we realize it or not: Resistance. That invisible, heavy force that shows up when we’re about to do something meaningful, bold, or transformative.

This episode was inspired by several powerful moments in my life — and a few life-changing books — The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. Each one has shifted the way I see resistance, fear, burnout, control, and what it really means to live in alignment.

What is Resistance, Really?

Resistance is sneaky. It doesn’t walk in loudly — it whispers. It shows up as procrastination, overthinking, self-doubt, or even well-meaning concern from loved ones. It’s the voice that says:

• You’re not ready.

• You’re not good enough.

• Now’s not the right time.

Steven Pressfield puts it best:

“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate; it will lie.”

And what really hit me is this:

“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands resistance.”

That quote gave me chills. Because I’ve felt that unlived life inside me. Have you?

The Lie of "Tomorrow"

Resistance loves the word tomorrow. It tells us to wait for the “perfect time.” But let’s be honest — that time rarely comes.

Whether it’s launching your business, writing your story, quitting a job, or asking for help — if you're always waiting, you're feeding resistance.

My Personal Wake-Up Call

I learned the cost of resistance the hard way. I burned out. Completely.

I was doing everything — building a business, raising kids, managing a household — trying to prove I could handle it all. Until one night, I fell asleep on the couch… and woke up to a kitchen full of smoke.

That night could’ve ended differently. But it didn’t. I woke up. And maybe it happened so I could share this with you. To remind you: burnout is not a badge of honor.

After that, I knew something had to change. I started asking for help. I hired my first team member at Freedom Culture. And yes, it was terrifying. But it was also the best decision I ever made.

Because you don’t have to do it all alone.

Releasing Control + Letting Others In

Here’s the truth most of us don’t talk about: a cluttered, chaotic space — emotionally or physically — impacts us more than we realize. Even when we think we’re coping, the mess drains us in the background.

And often, it’s not about the task itself — it’s about control. We resist help because we fear losing control. Because we’ve been taught that independence means doing it all ourselves.

But accepting help isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.
It’s leadership.

It’s realizing that while I can do the dishes… they’re not in my zone of genius. And The Big Leap taught me this: I was meant to do work that lights me up. That fills me. That creates impact. Not just work that keeps me busy.

So, I let go. I asked for help. I stopped folding towels "the right way." I stopped equating control with value. And I started focusing on the work I was truly meant to do.

Fear as a Compass

Fear isn’t the enemy — it’s a compass. When we feel that fear, that resistance, it usually means we’re onto something important.

So instead of fighting it, I started leaning into it.

In 2019, I turned 40 and booked a solo trip to Paris. I needed space — from the noise, the pressure, the roles I was constantly performing. That trip changed me. I realized: I wasn’t just overwhelmed — I was resisting my own power.

So I made the bold decision to quit my job. No savings. No clear plan. Just faith… and six little eyes watching me, wondering: What’s mom going to do now?

And you know what? I felt more alive than I ever had.

The Power of “Who Not How”

That leap led me to Who Not How — a book that shifted my perspective again. I stopped asking, “How can I do this?” and started asking, “Who can help me do this?”

That one mindset shift helped me grow my business, build a team, and find joy in collaboration. And guess what? The more I let others in — the more I released the guilt — the more space I had to create.

 Your Action Steps:

Here’s what I want you to do after this episode:

1. Journal: Where is resistance showing up in your life?

2. Reflect: What tasks are you holding onto that drain you, not grow you?

3. Ask: What would it look like to release control and accept support?

4. Act: Take one inspired, risky step today — no matter how small.

 Book Recommendations Mentioned:

• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

• Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

Final Thoughts:

Have you ever worked a job you didn’t love?
Felt disconnected from the version of yourself you dreamed of becoming?

That’s resistance. And the only way through it… is through it.

So take the risk. Let fear ride shotgun — but do not give it the wheel.

Remember:

The more important the work is to your soul, the more resistance you’ll feel. But that just means you’re on the right path.

You are capable. You are powerful.
And your resistance?
It doesn’t stand a chance.

Until next time, I’m sending you clarity, courage, and the freedom to create the life you were meant to live. 

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To view more resources, check out my website at www.stephsimmons.co