The Hidden Costs of Stagnation and Inaction

When Charles Darwin introduced the theory of evolution in 1859, there was a seismic shift in humankind’s understanding of our origins. The theory scientifically explained how life on Earth developed its diversity by showing how species adapt to their environments over generations and through various pressures. Darwin proposed that all species are descendants of a common ancestor and nothing was ever the same after that.

Today, when we look at pictures in biology books, it’s clear how much we’ve transformed from prehistoric times. We walked out of our caves and never looked back because progress made our lives easier and more comfortable. Evolution took us out of mere survival into all kinds of civilizations. We observed, pondered, analyzed, experimented, and now here we are. We’ve come a long way.

Empires begin, then cease to exist. Kingdoms rise and fall, paper towns appear and disappear from maps―we build and rebuild. Today, the world moves at an unprecedented speed, and we not only have to adjust quickly but, on the level of an individual, each of us faces a choice: to lead or to follow. Have you ever thought about which team you are in?

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”

― Albert Camus

How often do you analyze your own evolution? What do you say to change when it inevitably knocks on your door? Whether we resist or embrace the process, nature has been quietly modifying us since the day we were born. Soft wrinkles, first grey hair, or a gradual shift in your body will prove it to you sooner or later. But we can either grow old or we can mature.

Staying stagnant, rigid, solidified in a position in which you never have to move a finger―that sounds quite atrophic. Yet, even if both your physical and mental muscles grow weak, what does it matter? You are fine where you are, comfortable, cozy, complacent. Sure, you chose safety over your dreams, but isn’t that the responsible thing to do?

We all know these people. Shadows of the burning flames they once were, older sooner, sparks extinguished from their eyes because settling for normal is what adults are supposed to do. Right? Well, yes and no. Stability is not a bad place to be at all.

But what if?

What if you could balance responsibilities and freedom? What if you stepped slightly outside your comfort zone to see what’s beyond? It’s only a toe you need to dip into this uncertainty for now, no need to dive in head first. Stay in your 9-5 Monday to Friday and write your novel or start your side hustle over the weekends. Go for a short trip to Italy before you even begin thinking about starting a new life there. Moving in a new direction does not have to be a split-second decision.

To change is to be brave. Still, the first step can be a light one, on your tiptoes even. In fact, why don’t you start with a simple one-liner of written reflection? Here’s a prompt for you from The Three Question Journal: What quality do you want to show the world today?

"Remember, the person you are right now is not the person you have to remain. You can become a new person anytime you choose", says Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, physician, author, and creator of The Three Question Journal. Simply start thinking in writing. A line, a paragraph, an essay―elaborate into whatever feels right. What quality do you want to show the world today?

“Instead of passively repeating past behaviors, you get to actively pick which quality you wish to demonstrate to the world. It could be patience, kindness, confidence, or any other positive trait that aligns with the person you aspire to be. Whilst you may sometimes fall short, the simple act of setting the intention day after day, week after week, will start to change you. Before you know it, you’ll be embodying that quality more often”, adds Dr. Chatterjee.

Who you are has tangible power to influence the world around you and within you, positively or otherwise. It can be challenging, digging deeper under the surface of your soul, unsure of what you might uncover. But there’s only one way to find out. So if your heart is itching for an answer, start a list of qualities you want to embody and then choose the one that resonates with you the most. Every day.

Without anyone looking over your shoulder with judgment, you can be 100% yourself at no risk. Explore yourself and, before you know it, you will discover new options for potential realities and futures that await you. Can you feel the spark in your heart reigniting with hope?

The world will continue to change and shift. There is nothing wrong with being a follower rather than a leader, having softer dreams than ruling the roost. But every one of your personal evolutions adds to the global transformation and growth nonetheless. You might as well stir these transitions in your preferred direction by embodying the change that you wish to see in the world.