The Liberating Truth Behind Human Potential
We’ve all heard phrases like “people never change” or “that’s just how things are.” These statements carry a quiet resignation, as though life’s script is already written and our role is simply to act it out. But what if the opposite is true? What if the very essence of progress—whether personal, societal, or scientific—relies on rejecting the notion that anything is permanent? The idea that we can change rests on the radical belief that things are not fixed. This simple yet profound truth reshapes how we view ourselves, our relationships, and the world.
The Science of Fluidity
Modern science has dismantled the myth of permanence. Take the human brain, for example. For decades, scientists believed neural pathways were rigid after childhood—a “fixed” system that dictated behavior and capability. Then came the discovery of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself throughout life. A stroke survivor relearning speech, a musician mastering a new instrument at 50, or a trauma patient healing through therapy—these aren’t exceptions to a rule. They’re proof that biology itself is dynamic.
Even physics challenges the idea of fixed states. Newton’s laws once painted the universe as a predictable machine, but quantum mechanics revealed a world of probabilities and uncertainties. Particles exist in multiple states until observed, and matter behaves differently under varying conditions. If the building blocks of reality are fluid, why should human potential be any different?
The Trap of Fixed Mindsets
The belief in fixed traits isn’t just inaccurate—it’s limiting. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on “fixed vs. growth mindsets” highlights this. Students who think intelligence is static avoid challenges, fearing failure might expose their limitations. Those who see intelligence as malleable embrace effort, viewing setbacks as stepping stones. The difference isn’t talent; it’s perspective.
This extends beyond academics. Relationships crumble under the weight of “they’ll never change.” Societies stagnate when traditions are treated as unbreakable laws. Consider historical shifts: the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, or LGBTQ+ rights. Each required rejecting the idea that social hierarchies were immutable. Progress begins when we ask, “What if this isn’t how things have to be?”
Rewriting Personal Narratives
Change starts with self-perception. Imagine someone who believes their anxiety is an unalterable part of their identity. They might avoid therapy, thinking, “This is just me.” But if they recognize anxiety as a pattern—not a life sentence—they open the door to strategies like mindfulness or cognitive-behavioral techniques. The shift isn’t easy, but it’s possible.
Take James, a former client of mine (I’ll keep details anonymous). He spent years convinced his impulsivity was “hardwired,” blaming genetics for his career missteps. When he began exploring the root causes—untreated ADHD, unresolved childhood stress—he realized his behavior wasn’t fixed. Medication, coaching, and self-compassion helped him rebuild routines. His story isn’t about erasing flaws but reshaping them.
The Power of Small Shifts
Transformation doesn’t require grand gestures. Tiny, consistent actions often matter most. A 2019 study found that people who viewed willpower as limitless (not a finite resource) persisted longer in tasks and reported higher life satisfaction. Why? They believed their capacity for discipline could grow.
This applies to habits, too. Want to exercise more? Start with five-minute walks. Dream of writing a book? Write one paragraph daily. These micro-changes accumulate, reinforcing the belief that progress is possible. Over time, the brain begins to associate effort with reward, creating a feedback loop of motivation.
Societal Change as a Collective Choice
History’s most pivotal movements share a common thread: the refusal to accept “the way things are.” The civil rights activists of the 1960s didn’t see segregation as inevitable. Climate activists today reject the fatalism of “it’s too late.” Even technological revolutions—like the shift from fossil fuels to renewables—depend on innovators who ask, “What if we tried something new?”
This isn’t blind optimism. It’s recognizing that systems, like individuals, are shaped by choices. Laws can be rewritten. Economies can prioritize sustainability. Education can evolve to nurture creativity over rote memorization. None of this happens overnight, but it starts with questioning the status quo.
Embracing Uncertainty
Ironically, the belief in non-fixed outcomes requires comfort with uncertainty. We crave stability—predictable careers, relationships, and identities—but clinging to certainty stifles growth. Artist and author Austin Kleon put it best: “You have to be willing to waste time to find what’s worth doing.”
This mindset shift isn’t about dismissing reality. It’s about distinguishing between constraints (e.g., gravity exists) and limitations we impose on ourselves (e.g., “I’m bad at math”). The former requires adaptation; the latter invites exploration.
A Call to Action
So, what’s the takeaway? If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t,” “they won’t,” or “it’s impossible,” pause. Ask:
– Is this truly fixed, or is it a story I’ve accepted?
– What evidence suggests change is possible?
– What small step could I take today to test this belief?
The answers might surprise you. Whether it’s mending a fractured friendship, pivoting careers at 40, or advocating for policy reform, the first step is internal: replacing “This is how it is” with “This is how it is for now.”
In the end, the idea that “things are not fixed” isn’t just a philosophical stance—it’s a liberating truth. It grants us permission to evolve, to redefine success, and to build a world where potential isn’t predetermined. After all, if even the stars are in motion, why shouldn’t we be?
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