Feeling stuck and want to change the status quo?
The mention of status quo in my last post raised an important question. Why, for instance, do so many prefer the status quo, however uncomfortable it might be?
Well, because most prefer familiarity over change of any sort at all. They prefer to stay in their present discomfort over the unknown. They are risk averse and fearful. They are also influenced by the opinions of others who are in the same zone and have also accepted the status quo.
Emotional status quo is maintained because many find it hard to move on even if they are in relationships or situations that no longer work. ‘It worked then and maybe it will again,’ they think, clinging on, making themselves and other involved parties miserable in the bargain.
Remember that there are also those who need to maintain the status quo because they benefit the most from it. Think bureaucracies, capitalism, hierarchies, politics, and any man-made institution. Why change something when you benefit from it? They are vehement about maintaining the status quo because they want to continue enjoying the benefits it provides. They are taking care of their interests, not yours.
When you consider yourself powerless to change the direction of your life, you will usually blame some external element, including others. You will also erroneously believe that your well-being depends on maintaining that status quo even if it is uncomfortable because you don’t want to risk the familiar for the unfamiliar. Why would you dare step out of your safe little cocoon, however much you want to fly?
The riskiest thing we can do is just maintain the status quo. – Bob Iger
Every person has the choice to change the status quo and essentially, the direction of their life. Look around you. Do you enjoy what you are doing? Is this how you want to spend the rest of your life? If you are ready to move on, but don’t know how, seek the advice of someone who exists completely outside your zone. They can provide unbiased guidance and put things in perspective. They will assure you that it is not ‘awful out there’ as you might fear but a fun place with far more variety and experiences than you can imagine.
Then start planning. Let your support network know that you are getting ready to make a change. Face your fears of the unknown and systematically work through them. Make the move whenever an opportunity for meaningful change presents itself. If it enhances the quality of your life, you will move on without hesitation. You will feel so ready and exhilarated that you hardly look back. The road ahead is way too exciting.
“By changing nothing, nothing changes. – Tony Robbins
From now on, don’t waste your time questioning why so many prefer the status quo. Don’t worry about where others are or what they are doing. Instead, ask yourself, ‘Why do I prefer the status quo? Is it working for me?’ If not, challenge the status quo and start working on changing the direction of your life. Once you learn to go with the flow and allow change to happen, you will find yourself in a fulfilling place.
