What Is Holding You Back from Creating Lasting Change? Even when faced with a life-threatening situation, people tend to resist change, despite knowing the repercussions. Why? First, even bad habits are rewarding. Second, our brains are wired with an error alert system that sees new experiences as a threat, causing anxiety and fear in an attempt at stopping us from moving forward. Because of our programming, there are several specific obstacles that can get in the way of deliberate change. Which of these do you feel hold you back? *