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So when you hear people say that change is hard because…

“So when you hear people say that change is hard because people are lazy or resistant, that’s just flat wrong. In fact, the opposite is true: Change is hard because people wear themselves out. And that’s the second surprise about change: What looks like laziness is often exhaustion.” quote by Chip Heath
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““So when you hear people say that change is hard because people are lazy or resistant, that’s just flat wrong. In fact, the opposite is true: Change is hard because people wear themselves out. And that’s the second surprise about change: What looks like laziness is often exhaustion.””

Chip Heath

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People often blame laziness for resistance to change, but true difficulty stems from exhaustion and burnout.

In simple terms: Change feels hard because we’re exhausted, not lazy.

Key Takeaway

Recognize fatigue as a barrier to change.

Themes

change resistance exhaustion motivation

Mood

reflective encouraging

Type

advice insightful

When to use this quote

  • workplace transformation
  • personal habit change
  • organizational restructuring
  • health behavior modification

Key Concepts

psychology behavioral economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What signs of exhaustion are you overlooking?
  • How can you replenish energy during change?
A Different Perspective

If fatigue is addressed, resistance may still persist due to deeper fears.

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