Turning Resistance Into Your Greatest Breakthrough

Leadership is a calling that stretches and challenges you in ways that few roles can. If you’ve been leading for any amount of time, you’ve probably encountered resistance—the invisible force that seems to block your progress right when you’re stepping into something bigger. I know the feeling well, and I’ve learned that resistance isn’t something to fear or avoid—it’s something to understand and leverage.

Yesterday, Matt Moore led a group coaching call that left all of us deeply inspired. He shared a framework for breaking down resistance that completely shifted how I approach my own challenges, and I want to walk you through it. This simple, yet powerful, process can help you gain clarity, harness your struggles, and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

The Framework for Understanding Resistance

Resistance often feels like one big wall standing in the way, but when you break it down, it usually falls into one of three categories—barriers, hurdles, or gaps. Identifying which one you’re up against is the first step toward overcoming it.

1. Barriers – The Immovable Walls

Barriers are the roadblocks that feel completely unyielding. It’s that seemingly immovable wall standing in the way of your goal—no matter how hard you push, it won’t budge. But here’s the insight Matt shared that immediately clicked for me: barriers aren’t meant to be pushed through.

When you encounter a barrier, it’s time to take a step back and reassess. Barriers require strategy, not brute force. They’re invitations to think creatively, look for alternative routes, or even pivot to a completely new approach. Instead of exhausting yourself trying to overcome them, ask, “What’s another way forward?”

For example, maybe a project you’re passionate about has hit a funding snag. Instead of halting everything in frustration, what if you shifted your focus to forming strategic partnerships or finding innovative ways to adapt the project within existing limitations? Barriers call you to stretch your thinking and expand your perspective.

2. Hurdles – The Temporary Challenges

Hurdles are different. They’re not permanent roadblocks—they’re challenges you have the capacity to overcome, though it might take effort. Hurdles test your endurance, patience, and commitment. Each time you clear one, you grow stronger and more equipped for what lies ahead.

Think of hurdles as moments designed to level you up. Maybe your hurdle is refining a new skill, bouncing back from a failed attempt, or navigating a difficult conversation with a team member. These challenges feel demanding in the moment, but when you push through them, they leave you sharper, wiser, and more resilient as a leader.

Matt reminded us that hurdles are what prepare us for bigger stages and more responsibility. Each one is shaping you into the person you need to be for the next phase of your calling.

3. Gaps – The Missing Pieces

Finally, there are gaps. These are areas where something essential is missing—maybe it’s a skill, a resource, or even the right people on your team. Gaps can feel frustrating because they highlight what you lack, but here’s the opportunity: gaps are clues, not condemnation.

When you identify a gap, you’re being shown where to grow or build. Maybe you need to acquire a new skill, develop a system, or find the right partner to help you move forward. Gaps point you toward the work you need to do to create momentum. They’re not obstacles to your success; they’re opportunities for discovery.

For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your leadership responsibilities, it could be a sign that your systems for delegation or time management need improvement. The “gap” here is an opportunity for you to step back and put structures in place to support sustainable growth.

Resistance as Growth

Here’s the heart of the message Matt shared with us yesterday, and I want you to take this with you today—resistance isn’t here to stop you. It’s here to grow you.

How often do we see challenges as setbacks rather than stepping stones? When you face resistance, you’re being refined, prepared, and strengthened for what’s ahead. This is the process that grows you into the leader you’re called to be.

If you’re wrestling with something today—whether it’s a barrier, a hurdle, or a gap—don’t give up. Name it, reframe how you see it, and step boldly toward a solution.

Applying This Framework to Your Leadership

The next time you encounter resistance, pause and ask yourself these questions:

• Is this a barrier that requires a change in strategy?
• Is this a hurdle I need to push through with effort and persistence?
• Is this a gap that reveals what I need to develop or build?

Naming the resistance is the first step. Once you’ve identified it, you have clarity—and clarity creates momentum. Resistance stops feeling like a dead end and starts becoming an opportunity for strategic action.

Keep Growing

I believe with all my heart that resistance isn’t the enemy. It’s God’s way of sharpening, stretching, and refining you. The harder the resistance, the greater the breakthrough that’s often on the other side.

To dig deeper into this framework and how to use it in your own life, check out our recent group coaching session, now available on YouTube. This training breaks down the concepts even further and includes actionable insights to help you turn resistance into your greatest ally in leadership.

Click here to watch the full YouTube training and learn how to apply this framework today.

Connect With Us

If this message has resonated with you and you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, we’d love to hear from you. At Elementum, we’re passionate about equipping leaders like you with the tools, strategies, and support to overcome resistance and step boldly into your calling.

Whatever challenges you’re facing—whether they’re barriers, hurdles, or gaps—know that you don’t have to face them alone. Reach out to us to learn more about how Elementum can partner with you, provide clarity, and help you grow into the leader you’re called to be.

We’d love to connect with you and explore how we can help you and your ministry thrive. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here for you every step of the way.