Resistance and Intentional Reset
How to overcome resistance to 'stopping'
How to overcome resistance to “stopping”
Everyone Feels Resistance
Feeling resistance to “stopping” isn’t unique to you.
Runners feel “walking means losing.” Working people feel “resting means falling behind.”
The more responsible you are, the stronger this resistance feels.
What’s Behind Resistance
Common Feelings
- “I don’t want to look weak”
- “I can’t forgive myself”
- “Stopping here means losing”
- “I’ll burden others”
- “If I stop, my career is over”
- “If I rest, I’ll fall behind”
Why We Feel This Way
These feelings come from the belief that “pushing is value.”
- Those who push are praised
- Those who rest are seen as lazy
- Stopping means “giving up” or “defeat”
This belief is, in a sense, correct. Effort matters.
But pushing forward nonstop eventually forces you to really stop.
In Running
The “Walking Means Losing” Feeling
In a marathon, other runners keep running while you start walking.
“Walking means losing.” “Others will pass me.” “Looks bad.”
Many runners experience this feeling.
Reality: What Happens If You Don’t Walk
But running continuously without walking:
- Crash in the second half
- Cramps, pain appear
- Pace drops significantly
- Worst case, DNF
Often, time lost by “crashing” exceeds time saved by “not walking.”
The Value of Intentional Walking
In Reset Running, “walking” is built into the plan from the start.
- Run 15 minutes, walk 5 minutes
- Walking isn’t “slacking” but “recovery”
- Planned walking lets you keep running to the end
Not “don’t walk” but “choose to walk.” This mindset shift matters.
At Work
The Fear of “Falling Behind If I Rest”
Many feel guilty about resting at work.
- “If I stop, my career is over”
- “I’ll burden others”
- “I’m worthless unless I keep producing results”
This fear is, in a sense, normal. Responsibility makes you fear stopping.
Reality: What Happens If You Don’t Rest
But working continuously without rest:
- Mind and body drain
- Performance drops
- Mistakes increase
- Worst case, health breakdown, extended leave
Often, what you lose by “draining” exceeds what you gain by “not resting.”
The Value of Intentional Rest
In Reset Work, “resting” is built into the plan.
- Work 50 minutes, rest 10 minutes
- Rest isn’t “slacking” but “function maintenance”
- Planned rest lets you keep working long
Not “don’t rest” but “choose to rest.”
How to Overcome Resistance
1. Shift Your Thinking
See “stopping = losing” as “stopping = strategy.”
- Running: “Walking means losing” → “Walking lets me run to the end”
- Work: “Resting means losing” → “Resting lets me keep going long”
2. Build It Into the Plan from the Start
Not “stop when tired” but “stop after 15 minutes” — decide in advance.
Building it into the plan reduces resistance to stopping. You can think “I’m stopping because I decided to.”
3. Remember the Purpose
Why are you running? Why are you working?
- If the purpose is “finishing fast,” maybe not walking is better
- If the purpose is “finishing while savoring connections,” walking is better
- If the purpose is “producing results long-term,” resting is better
Remembering the purpose shows that “stopping” is a means to achieve it.
4. Start Small
If jumping straight into “run 15 minutes, walk 5 minutes” is hard, start small.
- Try in training first
- Just 30 minutes at first
- At work, just look away from the screen once an hour
Small success experiences ease resistance.
5. Confirm the Results
Try it and check the results.
- “I walked, but time didn’t drop as much as expected”
- “I rested, and afternoon performance improved”
Confirming results builds confidence that “stopping is okay.”
A Coach’s Words
Before a 100km marathon, my coach said:
Don’t get hung up on running. What’s the goal? If the goal is reaching 100km within 12 hours, finishing is what matters — walking or running. On uphill, walk and save your legs. Every step forward while stopped is one step closer to the goal. You don’t have to run. You can walk. Remember the goal.
These words are one origin of “the courage to stop.”
You don’t have to run. You can walk.
What Is “Intentional Reset”
Not Just Casually Resting
It’s different from “resting because I’m tired” or “stopping because I don’t feel like it.”
“Intentional reset” is:
- Deciding “I’m stopping for recovery” and stopping
- Stopping as part of the plan
- Stopping as action for maintaining function
Not Weakness
“Stopping” isn’t weakness.
- Wisdom for running long
- Strategy for working long
- A choice to care for yourself
When you can give yourself permission to stop, the power to start again is born.
Summary
Resistance to “stopping” is natural.
But pushing forward nonstop eventually forces you to really stop.
By intentionally incorporating resets:
- In running, you can keep running to the end
- At work, you can keep producing results long
- You’re actually more likely to reach the goal
Of course, there are no guarantees.
But one thing is certain: stopping doesn’t mean it’s over.