Ahmad Al Charif

People Can change, despite the common misconception. It is called adaptation, and it works across the entire spectrum of all species.

Think about it for a moment, think about the way you used to handle your problems when you were younger, versus the way you do it now. In fact let us try something very specific: think back to 10 years ago, and remember how you used to start your day. Think of as many details as you can, and revisit the memories of a typical start of your day, along with all the routines you used to perform: turning off the alarm, brushing your teeth, getting dressed, coffee, etc…

Now do the same, but for your current life. Again, being as detailed as you can, focusing on as many small meaningless things you do as possible. Now compare the two. What do you notice?

In the off chance that the two phases are exactly the same, i ask you to change the time gap to a longer, or shorter one. Depending on how long you have been stuck in your ways.

You will find that through time, not only have you changed your ways, but you yourself have changed as well. Because the change of habits is not merely an insignificant coincidence, it is a reflection of an inner change, often unintended but necessitated by the change in your life.

Think about the evolution of the human race, and the complexities it has brought us. Do we think the same? Act the same as our ancestors? Do we share the same morals and values?

The lines are very blurry, and that is for good reason. The world is different today than it once was, and with our now modern technological advancement life is no longer the same.

Physical distance has become less of an issue, as we fly around in planes, hop trains, and skype with everyone no matter where they are. Medicine has brought us countless marvels, rendering the once fatal diseases into manageable illnesses.

To say that people cannot change, would be a largely false statement, because all our advancement, all our progression, stemmed from single individuals who through personal perseverance and effort, changed the face of humanity.

This article is inspired by a phrase a friend once said to me, referencing a third individual: “stop wasting your breath, she is stuck in her ways”. But the word stuck does not imply the incapability to move forward, or overcome hurdles. It implies the need to put in a lot of effort, to do something different and difficult to get “unstuck”.

If your car ever got stuck in the mud, you know that its not the end of the road. You push, and you shove, and if all else fails you call for help. You do everything you can to move, you don’t just leave your car and go.

Change is not only possible, it is also crucial, and inevitable. Are you aware of the ways in which you are changing? Are you in control? Or are you merely drifting along as the world molds you into something you don’t want to be?

Take control, be everything you want to be. The only thing stopping you, is you. Don’t give up, don’t assume it is not possible. Don’t listen to those who tell you that you cannot.

Everything is possible. If you have been stuck in the mud for a while, now is as a good a time as ever, to get up, and start pushing. Help yourself get to where you want to go.

Positive change… Evolution, is only possible when you want it to happen…