You Cannot Inspire People Who Don’t Want to Change
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my years of leadership, mentorship, and even friendship is: You can’t inspire people who aren’t ready to change.
No matter how passionate your message, how polished your pitch, or how perfect your strategy, if someone isn’t open to growth, transformation won’t happen.
I’ve seen this happen often in my consulting and coaching work. This truth can be especially difficult to accept when you care — when you see the potential in a company or individual. When you know their work could reach another level and have real impact. When you’re convinced that just a little shift in mindset, effort, or perspective could change everything for them.
And still… nothing changes.
As a leader, it’s crucial to understand:
- Inspiration is an invitation, not a command – You can lead by example. You can share stories, give tools, provide support. But ultimately, people have to choose to walk through the door of change. You can’t drag them through it.
- Timing matters – Some people aren’t resistant, they’re just not ready yet. Change is scary. Growth often demands discomfort. The seed you plant today might not sprout until next season, or after you’ve moved on. And that’s okay.
- Your energy is finite – Spending too much time trying to “convince” someone to want better for themselves can drain your energy. That same energy could uplift those who are ready. Focus on where the light catches, not where the shutters are closed.
- Respect agency – We all grow at our own pace. What looks like stagnation to you might be someone else’s stage of reflection, rebuilding, or even survival.
Inspiration must meet people where they are – not where we wish they’d be.
If you’re a leader, coach, parent, or peer, keep showing up. Keep being the example. Keep offering the light. But release the pressure to “fix” or “convert” others.
When someone is ready, your words, your support, your consistency will matter more than you know. Until then, keep leading with compassion, not frustration.
#leadership #growthmindset #change #coaching
https://calendly.com/john-burt/discovery-call