Stop Hiding from Change - Insights From a Motivational Speaker
Stop Hiding from Change—Make Life Easier, Not Harder
Many of us resist change without even realizing it. Instead of taking bold steps forward, we busy ourselves with distractions that feel productive but ultimately keep us stuck. Seth Godin calls this form of avoidance hiding—spending time on things that are socially acceptable but don’t actually move us forward.
The Disguises of Resistance
Seth Godin and Steven Pressfield both discuss resistance—the internal force that stops us from doing meaningful work. Godin calls it the lizard brain, an ancient survival instinct that drives us to seek comfort, avoid risk, and maintain the status quo.
In a discussion on The Ziglar Show, Godin explains that many of us give in to resistance in ways that seem harmless or even beneficial:
- Social media scrolling – Keeping up with likes, trends, and endless content.
- Networking without purpose – Attending events but not taking action.
- Inbox zero obsession – Clearing emails but avoiding deep, meaningful work.
- Perfectionism – Refining instead of doing.
These activities may feel like progress, but they often serve as sophisticated ways to hide from the real work we need to do.
What Can You Do Instead?
Godin suggests two key strategies to overcome this hiding instinct:
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Refill Your Mental Reserves
Every day, external forces drain your energy—rejection, criticism, setbacks. To counter this, develop a habit of replenishing your mental strength. This might be through meditation, revisiting inspirational books, or listening to thought-provoking content. -
Commit to Mastery
Growth requires continuous learning. Instead of consuming shallow, fast content, dive deep into your craft. Godin warns against spending hours reading 200+ blogs but encourages staying informed by following select, high-quality sources.
How This Applies to Everyday Life
This idea of hiding is everywhere, even in unexpected places. For example, magicians often spend years perfecting tricks they never perform. The fear of failure keeps them locked in endless preparation. I’ve seen beginner magicians thrive by reframing their performances as interactive experiences rather than tests to be beaten. By changing the narrative, they move past their fears and take action.
The same principle applies in everyday life and business. We tell ourselves we’re preparing when, in reality, we’re just delaying the moment we have to step up.
The Fastest Way to Success? There Isn’t One.
Seth Godin also challenges the idea of shortcuts. The real path to success, he argues, looks a lot like the slowest path. Sustainable success comes from consistency, trust, and generosity—not from quick hacks or unethical shortcuts.
As Godin puts it:
“The fastest way to success looks a lot like the slowest way to success.”
In other words, real progress comes from showing up, doing the work, and embracing long-term commitment over quick wins.
Stop Trying for More—Start Working for Better
One of the most powerful takeaways from this discussion is the idea that we live in the safest, richest world in history, yet we often act as if we’re in constant scarcity. Instead of endlessly chasing more, Godin suggests shifting our focus to better.
This mindset is especially relevant for those in midlife who already have the resources, skills, and connections to create something meaningful. Rather than staying on the treadmill of accumulation, consider leveraging what you already have to improve your quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Seth Godin’s insights challenge us to examine our habits and ask: Are we moving forward, or are we just staying busy?
If you find yourself resisting change, ask yourself:
- Am I hiding behind distractions?
- What meaningful work am I avoiding?
- How can I commit to growth, even in small ways?
Breaking free from resistance isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. The path to success, fulfillment, and impact starts when we stop hiding and start showing up.
