WHY ARE WE AFRAID OF CHANGE?
Fear is a natural and primary human emotion. It involves both emotional and biochemical reactions. It has an evolutionary function that is signaling danger and the threat of danger – even though these can be merely mental. To sum up, fear can be justified by real threats or solely imaginary dangers such as fear of the dark, for example. Everybody is afraid of something. Many people are scared of heights, some are scared of flying, enclosed spaces, spiders, needles, snakes, thunderstorms and the list goes on.
What about fear of change? The Greek philosopher Heraclitus stated that change is the only constant. Therefore, we and our surroundings are always changing and evolving. This is especially prominent with the arrival of the season symbolizing them. In general, seasons represent a kind of turning point and a fresh start. This also goes for the start of a new year or when reaching a certain age. When such points in our lives come, we promise ourselves to start exercising, eating healthier, reading more, and spending less time on our phones. People are used to changing and refreshing their habits and ways of life from time to time – this is why we have spring cleaning and New Year’s resolutions! Yet most people hate and fear change so they slip back into their old, known, and comfortable routines relatively quickly. Why would we renovate our living space or refresh our wardrobe when it’s not necessary?! Plus we have so many more important things that need to get done first…
Of course, every individual has their preferences but according to professionals, the human race (in general) fears change: this is how we were wired. This fear becomes larger if the change is not within our control since it leaves us powerless. Although there is an evolutionary reason behind our fear, we can’t let it prevent us from welcoming new experiences with open arms.
If you:
- feel trapped and discontent in your current situation
- stay in doomed relationships despite wanting to leave
- are not happy with your current work position
- don’t want to change your daily routine that bores you
- reject invitations to social events
yet you still avoid positive change that would shift the current state, it is time for a new step. Even though most people are afraid of novelties, we only need to take one step to change that with which we are not content with: overcome our fear. We can do this by educating ourselves, making an objective list of pros and cons, set long-term and short-term goals, and seek advice from friends and family. But above all, we mustn’t forget that the main motive behind change is our happiness – it should always come first.
Each of us is struggling with something. Imagine how much happier you would be if you faced this issue and resolved it. The best part is that you are not alone. You are surrounded by people that are willing to stand by your side and encourage you, and professionals that are willing to offer you the help that you need – as long as you seek it. If the fact that we have trouble styling clothes or choosing our hairstyles brings us discontentment and insecurities, it is not a sin to accept that we need help. The opposite actually: it is the best thing we can do for ourselves since it will pay off in the long run. Sometimes we need to take matters into our own hands and make sure that our bodies and minds are well taken care of. This is the only way to change that which we are not content with. Do you dare?
