Human beings are wonderfully creative. Our minds offer limitless possibilities for change in business, education, and personal development – but there’s a problem. Our brains are hard-wired to avoid change.
We are creatures of habit. Habits are easy. Habits keep us alive.
The truth is, when given the choice, humans possess a strong natural bias in favor of perpetuating the status quo.
It is frustrating, but this subconscious urge is hardwired into our human nature. It’s a survival skill! This bias, however, becomes a problem when it hinders positive change, namely growth in business, education, relationships, and personal development.
Our instinct to avoid change can be a trap that swallows up great ideas and smothers ambition. In order to control this basic urge to avoid change, we need to be aware of its influence in our decision making.
If you’re like me, you struggle through cycles of confidence and self-doubt. The next time you find yourself hesitating or feeling low on confidence, remember that your brain isn’t hardwired to handle your ambition. Simply thank your brain for this basic survival instinct, but tell yourself it’s time for a change. Positive change. You can handle it.
[update: read part two of this post]
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Drew,
Reminds me of a time when my theatre company, C&T, was discussing a new drama and web 2.0 project with one of our major funders, the Arts Council. This was in the early days of social networking online and they were clearly terrified by the concept, in a digital immigrant way. Despite their public proclamations to fund innovation the officer concerned was completely perplexed, in the terms you describe. Her only response after a long pause was “what is the precedent for this innovation?” (!!!). They supported it in the end. http://twitter.com/paul_sutton
Paul,
Thanks for sharing your experience at C&T. I began writing a lengthy response to your comment – too lengthy, in fact – and decided to make it into it’s own post. Will @reply you when it’s done.