Why do we fear change?

We fear change because outcomes are uncertain, and we are not designed to find peace in something we don’t know. We find it hard to move on when something we know ends. Fear of change is also triggered by fear of failure when embarking on something mundane, and we may instead not try at all. Trying something new becomes a risk, and we fear risk, too.

And where does fear of change come from? Change is hard. Expeditious change is even more challenging for individuals and the country. Why? Because we lived in harmony, with the same old shoes, the same old environment, and the same old story confined in the myriad mountains.

We heard and saw the story beyond our national boundaries, yet we are drawn to the status quo and find comfort in what we know and are exposed to. We fear to change through this experience of being in the same old shoes. But when change is forced on us, sometimes it reveals a crack, and the light gets in. And especially in a country like Bhutan, where we are far from realizing what similar countries have achieved, we must see this as an opportunity to improve our lives.

The way we’re working right now is accidental, but it doesn’t have to be. We can seize this moment and retool with imagination and intention. When we think about the future of our country, we shouldn’t think about being in the same old shoes and returning to the way things were. This change will push us away from this comfort zone to a new level. We will learn to adapt to new circumstances that another side of the world has already faced, think differently, and broaden the horizons we may not have considered before.

Embracing this change won’t happen overnight. With the change in time, there will be different needs and approaches. Whichever approach we embark on, there won’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. But this is about progress, not perfection; it’s about experimenting and evolving. It’s about rediscovering and redesigning new tools in our context. It’s about developing matrices that measure performance not by rigidity and activity but by impact and outcomes.

We all know when we need to change our old shoes, when they are worn out, inside and out. Our system is no different. It’s time we mend them or change them completely. We know our new shoes will last longer than the old mended ones. Choosing the right size is reasonable, and learning in-depth about the brand will help us embrace the durability to our advantage. Durable and cost-effective shoes are sustainable in the long run. Therefore, the decision ultimately lies in you if you are to change or be in the same old, worn-out shoes.

Change is necessary when the time is right, and we must embark on these changes. If we are to see the light, we need that little crack to let it through.

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