Hacking the Growth Paradox: 3 ways leaders can get unstuck

Even when we are fully aware of the necessity to change, too often we find ourselves up against invisible barriers that stop us cold, these executive coaches write. Here’s the psychology behind the Growth Paradox.

Leaders often face a common yet perplexing challenge: they’re acutely aware of the need for change, yet they find themselves paralyzed when it comes to taking action. It’s a phenomenon called the Growth Paradox. The paradox lies in the fact that while people often truly want to grow and change, the process is accompanied by strong feelings of discomfort, fear, and resistance that hold them back. These leaders don’t lack the will to do their work; instead, they lack the deeper, powerful motivation anchors to break free from the constraints of their own psychology. This paradox manifests as a feeling of “I am stuck,” locking them in a cycle of frustration and sometimes even hopelessness.