Why change feels so hard, and how to embrace it | Antonio Batinovic | TEDxESMTBerlin

Wed May 7, 2025

We often say we want change—but when it actually happens, it can feel terrifying, destabilizing, even like failure. Why?In this thought-provoking TEDx Talk, Antonio Batinovic takes us on a journey that spans roles and identities—from waiting tables, to his path becoming a psychologist, to helping build a startup as CMO, and ultimately walking away from it all to become self-employed. On the surface, it’s a story of career evolution. But underneath, it’s a deeper exploration of what makes change so emotionally and psychologically challenging.Drawing from Cognitive Dissonance Theory by Leon Festinger, this talk explains why we struggle to let go of roles, relationships, or professional identities that no longer align with who we are becoming. When our actions and our beliefs no longer match—when we outgrow a job, a title, or a version of ourselves—we experience internal tension. That tension, or dissonance, is uncomfortable. And because we’re wired to resolve it, we often try to convince ourselves to stay where it’s safe, rather than step into the unknown.But what if that discomfort isn’t a sign that we’re failing—but growing? Through honest reflections, psychological insight, and moments of emotional clarity, Antonio Batinovic reframes change not as a breakdown, but as a breakthrough. This talk is for anyone standing at a crossroads, feeling stuck between what was and what could be. It’s a roadmap for navigating inner conflict, letting go of outdated narratives, and rewriting your personal and professional story—on your own terms. - This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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