Why Are We Afraid of Change? How to Overcome Anxiety Over Fear of Change | Najwa Zebian

When faced with change we didn't choose, we're often told to "just move on" or "let it go." While logic says that's the right thing to do, sometimes we find ourselves paralyzed because the fear of the unkown seams scarrier than staying where we are when we know where we are isn't serving us.

In today’s episode of WTDTU, I’m joined by Najwa Zebian who reveals the truth about transformation isn't about forcing ourselves forward, but understanding why we resist in the first place. Najwa is an educator, speaker and author of acclaimed books such as “The Nectar of Pain” & “The Only Constant”, using her platform to empower people to embrace their fear of change and lead authentic lives.

Through her work with trauma and healing, she shows that our bodies hold wisdom our minds often ignore.

I hope after this episode, you’ll not only understand why change feels so difficult, but also have practical tools to navigate your own resistance with compassion rather than judgment.

Timestamps
00:00 Starting the journey of change
01:00 Why we hold onto what's familiar in life
03:29 How people face change differently
06:06 Fear's grip on our choices
08:29 Getting unstuck from life's deepest ruts
10:26 Making sense of confusion
12:11 Taking ownership of life decisions
15:09 Choosing yourself first
19:28 The fear of accepting love
22:04 When wealth becomes your identity
24:25 The pain of hurting those closest to us
27:18 Breaking cycles in relationships
30:57 Learning to trust yourself
33:17 Where faith guides decisions
36:01 Standing firm in your convictions
39:32 Living and finding yourself authentically
43:56 Building unshakeable confidence
47:21 What success really means
52:03 Breaking free from toxic situations
55:36 Healing after betrayal
59:02 Trauma's role in personal change
1:06:17 The importance of listening to your body
1:12:02 Healing past pains
1:18:15 The journey to knowing yourself deeply
1:25:10 Taking that first brave step
1:30:12 Embracing life's biggest challenges
1:35:37 Finding the courage to change
1:37:18 Setting boundaries that matter

→ KEY LESSONS (BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS)

#1: Why Change Feels Like Your Body's Fighting You
Change resistance often happens because your body feels safer with familiar pain than facing the unknown, even when your mind knows better - acknowledge this disconnect rather than judging yourself for not moving forward.
#2: Decision Paralysis and Getting Unstuck
The worst place to be is in constant uncertainty - either commit to staying or commit to leaving, but make a decision and own it instead of remaining in painful limbo between what you have and what you want.
#3: Recognizing Value Mismatches
When people don't appreciate what you offer, it's often not because you're inadequate but because they can't receive it - your love, effort and care may simply be at the wrong place rather than being wrong themselves.
#4: Trusting Your Instincts Despite Gaslighting
When something feels off in a relationship but someone denies it, state your position once and let the truth reveal itself over time rather than constantly seeking proof - the truth eventually surfaces without your vigilance.
#5: Taking Action Without Complete Clarity
You discover who you are through making changes, not before - you don't need to see the entire path ahead, just enough to take the next step, recognizing that both staying and changing are difficult in different ways. They're both hard, you just need to pick which hard you want.