Have you ever thought, “Why are the lines on the street always yellow?” “Why are doorknobs always round?” Or perhaps, “Why does the weekend always start on Friday?” If you haven't, maybe you should.
Why do we always seem to do certain things the same way, even if they might not be the most efficient way? It seems that tradition, or the fear of change, keeps us from challenging a lot of common practices.
A good example of this is the continued use of cubicles in office spaces. Very few people like to work in cubicles, and it would not be too difficult to design a more desirable work environment; however, cubicles are still used in most offices. Why is this? Most likely because few people are willing to take the time to change the tradition.
Take Action!
Why accept conventions when they have been used for so long? Just because something is old does not always mean it is more efficient. Most everything can become outdated or obsolete after a certain amount of time. Try to look for instances in your daily life that seem out of place. Think of times when you say to yourself, “Why do I have to do this all the time?” and try to come up with a solid answer. Maybe there is an easier way!
Don't Be Afraid of Change
A lot of times people engage in rituals which they would rather do without, but consider them “impossible” to change. People often believe they are too small or insignificant to induce these change. This fear is what keeps people doing a lot of things they dislike, yet don't have to do. To fear is to simply forfeit your own strength and donate it to that which you fear. If enough people fear the same thing, it is able to siphon so much power that one person's strength is not enough to overcome it.
To change something, you must first rid yourself of your fear. Second, convince others to stop donating their own power to it. Lastly, you must substitute the problem with a more desirable solution.
Don't be afraid to be the one to set a precedent. In fact, if it is a change which others agree is helpful, you will surely gain plenty of support. If anything, the progression toward change would make you feel good about setting it in motion. All it takes is one voice; you could be that voice!
What's Wrong with Tradition?
Absolutely nothing. Just because you are thinking of ways to improve the world around you, does not mean you must change everything. Look to change customs which are unnecessarily stressful, difficult, or superfluous. If it isn't broken, don't fix it.
Certain customs are practical; for example, keeping street lines yellow makes sense because they stand out and are easily recognizable. However, not all conventions have logical explanations. It could even be fun to discover some of these conventions in your life and try to think of alternatives!
Push Yourself, But Be Realistic
Long-lasting and complex social changes are not the only way to get things done. Even small changes can improve your life tremendously. Think in terms of convenience: how can you make your living situation as practical and functional as possible? Seek others to help you when you come across more difficult problems. But most of all, do not be content if something positive can be done.
Progress cannot be made unless brave people speak their minds. Now is the time to stop waiting for others and be the brave one!
