Change is Hard

You're not satisfied with your life. You want something different. You want change. But, then why is change so hard? Why can't you "just do it"? Because you're human and you're wired to fear change.

Change is hard because of fear, but that fear is misplaced.

Evolution designed you to seek out stability. Don't change what works. Don't rock the boat. You've managed to stay alive this long, so don't screw it up by trying something new. The problem is, the things you'd like to change can't kill you. You have a primal fear of a paper-tiger. The danger doesn't exist.

Starting a business won't kill you. Going broke might be embarrassing, but it won't kill you either. In fact, there's almost nothing you can do that is so bad that it isn't reversible.

There's also the fear of social-stigma. Many people have their identity wrapped up in their jobs and careers, and their mental model of you is likewise entangled in your job. In their mind, to change careers is to change identities.

This is scary.

When you attempt to change, your friends and family start pushing back. You no longer fit into the compartment they placed you in. You've created instability in their lives. They don't know what to expect from you anymore. You've spooked them. This is the cause of their negativity. But...

You are not your job. --Tyler Durden

It's usually not the action itself that is hard. It's the fear associated with taking the action that is hard. Recognize that this fear is misplaced and act.

You want your life to change without having to make any life changes, but this cannot be. Change can be painful. But it's the pain of growth. You can't be a standout and unremarkable at the same time.

Eagles don't fly under the radar. They're too busy being awesome to give a shit.