Even People Who Love You Will Oppose Your New Ideas
Change is scary for everyone, but not equally. Some people will hear your new idea and think hard for a moment before they tell you, “I like it! Let’s do it!” Others will say. “I don’t think so. I mean, I don’t think that’s what I want to do.” And still others will blurt out, “No. That’ll never work,” even before they hear you out.
Oh, come on, is it really normal for people to automatically oppose a new idea? YES! Here’s an example you’ve experienced. Let’s say that tonight, when you get home, your Significant Other meets you at the door and says, “I had a really rough day. I’m tired. Let’s go out to eat.” You like the idea and you ask, “Where do you want to go?” Significant says, “I don’t care. Wherever you want to go.” So you say, “OK, I want to go eat Chinese food.” And Significant says…..[I'm pausing here so you can fill in the blank yourself with that familiar phrase]…”No, I don’t feel like going there.” (!)
On the first hearing of a brand new idea, expect that approximately 80% of the people who hear you will oppose you — even people who love you!
What’s this mean to you? It’s smarter to expect resistance, not run from it. Plan what you’ll say after the opposition, such as, “The place got great reviews. How about we give it a try?”