Breaking Through the Mental Blocks Holding You Back
“It is what it is, Sofia.” Those words, spoken by an ex-manager, are etched in my memory. At the time, they felt dismissive, like a subtle way of saying, “Don’t bother trying to change things.” As a driven employee willing to contribute, I felt shut down. Over time, that sense of resignation drained my motivation, leading me to quit.
Years later, I realized that those words carry a double meaning. While they can signal defeat, they can also be a powerful mindset shift. Understanding this difference can unlock action and transformation in your career, creativity, and business ventures.
The Hidden Danger: When “It Is What It Is” Becomes a Roadblock
For many, “It is what it is” reinforces a belief that change is impossible. If you’ve ever thought:
“This industry is too competitive.”
“I’m not the type to take risks.”
“That’s just how my company works.”
…then you’ve experienced this mindset at work. It fosters inaction, keeping you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. In business, it leads to stagnation. For creatives, it fuels self-doubt. For those seeking career change, it makes the process seem insurmountable.
But what if this phrase could empower you instead?
The Alternative: Radical Acceptance as a Catalyst for Change
Radical acceptance is not about passivity or giving up. It’s about seeing reality clearly—without unnecessary resistance—so you can act effectively. This concept, popularized by psychologist and meditation teacher Tara Brach in her book Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha, is rooted in mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques. It shifts your energy from frustration to strategic action.
Here’s what radical acceptance looks like in practice:
- Career Changers: Instead of thinking, “The job market is too tough,” you acknowledge the challenge and focus on skills, networking, and positioning yourself effectively.
- Entrepreneurs & Creatives: Rather than saying, “This field is saturated,” you analyze your niche, refine your unique approach, and adapt.
- Business Owners & Leaders: Instead of blaming external factors for declining sales, you assess market shifts and explore new strategies.
This mindset does not mean settling—it means starting from a place of clarity so you can navigate challenges with purpose.
Awareness Before Action: How This Shift Unlocks Momentum
Take a moment to assess where you might be using “It is what it is” as an excuse. Is it reinforcing a sense of powerlessness? Keeping you from making a move? Blocking you from seeing new opportunities?
Consider this: The most successful people—whether in career transitions, entrepreneurship, or creative fields—aren’t the ones who avoid obstacles. They’re the ones who acknowledge challenges fully and then take action anyway.
By embracing radical acceptance, you move from resistance to response, from stagnation to strategy. You stop wasting energy fighting reality and start using it to create change.
Ready to Shift? Here’s Your Next Step
If you feel stuck, ask yourself:
- What am I resisting that I could instead acknowledge?
- How would seeing reality clearly help me move forward?
- What’s one action I can take today to shift from frustration to progress?
Your ability to change starts with how you view the present. Acceptance is not the end—it’s the beginning of transformation
