Navigating Change: From Resistance to Integration

Change. It’s inevitable, often uncomfortable, and always transformational. Whether it’s a career pivot, a new business venture, or a shift in personal life, navigating change successfully requires resilience, adaptability, and—most importantly—Moxie.

Last week, I had the privilege of leading a workshop at Meet Magento Florida, an eCommerce conference focused on innovation, adaptation, and growth. My session, “Your Roadmap to a Successful B2B eCommerce Solution: Navigating People Through Change,” was centered around my proprietary five phases of change—Resistance, Excitement, Overwhelm, Adoption, and Integration.  A change management framework designed to help people embrace digital transformation.

These phases aren’t just for businesses. They apply to our personal journeys as well. Like my daughters Sophia and Charlotte, and their journey with learning the piano.

Change is Personal and Individual – In Business and in Life

Sophia is 13 and has been learning to play the piano since she was 7. Charlotte, my 9-year-old, started her piano lessons at the same age. Over the years, I’ve watched them cycle through every phase of change, just as I’ve seen businesses do the same.

Let me tell you what frustration looks like in my house when it comes to mastering the piano:

• Whining and prostrating themselves all over the stairs, refusing to practice because it’s boring or too hard.
• Sulking as long as possible, doing absolutely nothing.
• Slamming hands on the keyboard because it’s just “too hard.”
• Frequent outbursts like, “I hate piano! Stop making me do this!”

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there when faced with a new challenge. Whether it’s rolling out a new software system in your company or picking up a new skill in your personal life, the discomfort of change is universal.

Why Frustration is Part of Growth

I tell my daughters the same thing I tell the businesses and individuals I coach: It is impossible to learn, to transform, without experiencing discomfort.

Frustration is not a sign that you’re failing. It’s proof that you’re pushing beyond your comfort zone. And when we acknowledge that, we can shift our mindset from resisting discomfort to embracing it as a natural part of growth.

At their Christmas recital, Sophia and Charlotte played beautifully. Watching them, I was reminded of all the moments of resistance and frustration they had to push through to get there. I remembered sitting beside them at the piano, helping them learn the notes while they had tears in their eyes. And I realized they wouldn’t have made it without the support of my husband and me, encouraging them along the way.

The Five Phases of Change

So, how do we navigate change successfully—whether in business or life? The answer lies in understanding these five phases:

1. Resistance Change can be daunting. The natural first reaction is resistance. It’s that little voice that says, “This is too hard. I can’t do it.” But resistance isn’t a dead end—it’s simply the first checkpoint. Acknowledge it, sit with it, and reframe it as the first step toward growth.  Research confirms that resistance is actually a normal response to change.  Known as the “uncertainty bias”, when people are faced with something new their first reaction is likely to be negative.  So rather than seeing resistance as a step backward, acknowledge this is actually a step forward in the change management process.
2. Excitement Once we embrace the possibilities that change brings, we feel a surge of enthusiasm. The energy of excitement can be powerful—but fleeting. The key here is to channel it productively, setting clear intentions and small, actionable goals that keep you moving forward.  Map out a vision for why you are embracing this change, and create a vision statement and vision board.  Get clear on what your values are, why you are changing, what your aspirations are, and how you and others benefit from the change.
3. Overwhelm No matter how excited we are, the reality of change can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel stuck when progress isn’t happening as fast as we’d like. The best way to combat overwhelm? Break things down into small, manageable steps. Instead of focusing on the entire mountain, take it one step at a time.  In business, I recommend clients create an adoption plan that includes creating your eCommerce coalition, setting roles and responsibilities, setting a training plan, creating an incentive plan for sales reps, and creating a communication plan.  These same principles can also be applied to our personal transformation projects. 
4. Adoption This is the turning point. You start to develop new habits, build momentum, and lean into your support system. In business, this might mean your team finally starts to see the benefits of a new process. In life, it might be when you finally get the hang of a new routine or skill. Growth happens when we persist.  The key here is repetition, practice, and doing it over and over and over again 
5. Integration This is where transformation becomes second nature. Change is no longer something you’re trying to “get through”—it’s a part of who you are. The new process, habit, or mindset has become ingrained, and you’ve emerged stronger because of it.

The Power of Support

If there’s one thing I’ve learned—both as a parent and as a business leader—it’s that change is never easy, but with the right support system, and a plan, it is possible. My daughters wouldn’t have succeeded in learning piano without encouragement, guidance, and accountability. And the same goes for us as adults. Whether it’s a mentor, a team, or a community, having people in your corner can make all the difference.

Embrace Change with Moxie

Change isn’t just something we endure—it’s an opportunity to expand, innovate, and thrive. So, I ask you: How will you embrace change with Moxie this month?

• Are you resisting a new challenge or leaning into it?
• Are you allowing frustration to paralyze you, or are you using it as fuel for growth?
• Do you have a support system in place to help you push through the tough moments?

Let’s keep the conversation going! I’d love to hear how you’re navigating change right now. Drop a comment, send me a message, or connect with me at my next workshop.

And remember—discomfort isn’t a sign to quit. It’s a sign that you’re transforming. Keep going, and keep embracing change with Moxie!

P.S. If you’re ready to tackle change head-on, let’s connect. Whether in a workshop or through coaching, I’m here to help you navigate your journey with confidence.