John Y’s Musings from the Middle: Creatures of Habit

Creatures of habit and dorsal fins

I remember in 3rd grade learning that some fish used to have a dorsal fin but no longer does because over the centuries there was no longer a need for it and it just sort of evaporated with time.

We humans are comfortable with what we know and have to be dragged kicking and screaming to try a new way of doing things (in the workplace and at home), even when it is obvious to everyone but us it is a far superior to our current approach

And then we try it.

And eventually get comfortable with it and even become an advocate for the “new way.”

Until there is a newer and obviously superior way to do things.

And we have to be dragged kicking and screaming to change from the old new way we are now comfortable with to the newer new way,

Maybe the solution is to give up our notion of ever being on auto pilot. Of ever getting too accustomed or comfortable with any process. Maybe the comfort of habit is like a human dorsal fin that has outlived its purpose

But that’s an awfully uncomfortable thought.

Maybe we can at least make a fashion statement with our dorsal fin of mindless habit. Pierce or tattoo it –or hang our new high tech gadgets (iPhone or Wifi tablets) on our hook of a needless fin.

But don’t get rid of it completely.

I may not need or use it but I don’t want to give it up.

 

Just yet.