(A Dozenology – A 12-Part Saga) Part 3: The Refusal of the Call – The Many Creative Ways We Talk Ourselves Out of Change

-

So, you’ve received The Call to Adventure. An opportunity, an idea, or a shift has shown up in your life, whispering (or shouting), “Hey, maybe it’s time for something new!”

And how do most of us respond?

“Wow, what an exciting opportunity! I should definitely consider this! …Later.”

Welcome to The Refusal of the Call—the part where we come up with brilliant, highly logical (read: completely made-up) reasons why we absolutely cannot step into something new right now.

This stage is not about laziness or lack of ambition—it’s about being human. Change is uncertain, and uncertainty triggers doubt, fear, and an overwhelming desire to stay in our comfort zone.

The Art of Avoiding Change (A Masterclass in Excuses)

We all have our personal favorites when it comes to dodging change. Some classics include:

  • “Now’s not the right time.” (Translation: It will never feel like the right time.)
  • “I don’t know enough yet.” (Translation: I will never know enough until I start.)
  • “I’m too busy.” (Translation: I have time for Netflix, but not for my dreams.)
  • “What if I fail?” (Translation: What if I succeed, and my life actually changes?)
  • “I’ll wait until I feel more confident.” (Translation: Confidence comes from doing, not waiting.)

Let’s be honest—these excuses are persuasive. They sound logical. They even feel like self-care sometimes. (“I’m just protecting myself from unnecessary stress!“)

But deep down, we know the truth: The Call wouldn’t have come if we weren’t ready for it.

Why Do We Resist?

If you find yourself pushing away an opportunity, don’t panic—it doesn’t mean you’re not meant for it. It just means your brain is doing what brains do best: keeping you safe.

The comfort zone is familiar. It’s predictable. Even if we want more, our brains are wired to choose certainty over risk. And adventure? Well, that’s unpredictable by nature.

But here’s the kicker:

🚀Everything amazing in life exists outside the comfort zone.

🚀Fear and excitement feel the same in the body—it’s all about perspective.

🚀Your next level of growth is on the other side of this hesitation.

Signs You Might Be Refusing the Call (Without Realising It)

✅You keep thinking about an idea or opportunity…but never take action.

✅You feel excited and scared at the same time.

✅You’ve started rationalising why you shouldn’t do it.

✅You notice that you’re waiting—for the right moment, the perfect conditions, or more certainty.

✅You keep telling yourself you’ll “start next week”…but next week never comes.

What Happens If You Ignore the Call?

Here’s the thing: The Call to Adventure doesn’t just disappear when you refuse it. It lingers.

It shows up in those restless feelings, in the quiet moments when you wonder what if? and in the tiny twinge of envy when you see someone else stepping into something new.

And sometimes? If we ignore it long enough, life forces the change on us in a way we didn’t expect.

So…What Now?

First, have compassion for yourself. It’s normal to hesitate. It’s normal to feel fear. The key is to recognise when you’re resisting for the right reasons (intuition) versus the wrong reasons (fear).

Then, start small. Answering the Call doesn’t mean jumping in headfirst—it just means taking a step.

Because the longer you sit on the fence, the more uncomfortable it gets.

And that’s exactly why our next chapter is Part 4: Meeting the Mentor – When the Right Guidance Shows Up at the Right Time.

Because the best way to move past fear? Find someone who’s walked the path before you.

Adventure is waiting. Are you ready to stop saying no?🚀