The status quo sets the stage for change. People invested time, resources, and effort to build something that worked for some time and served the purpose of moving society forward. And yes, we must keep moving forward, but not without giving due respect to the ideas, people, and infrastructure that got us here. I advocate for growth, innovation, and change; however, the status quo deserves respect for these three simple reasons.
The Status Quo is Familiar: Typically, it is difficult for people’s minds to let go of the familiar because it is home. Herein lies the psychological grip of the status quo. To grow, it’s important to understand the strong mental hold that the familiar has on the mind. Often, people underestimate the grip and try to will change – but the status quo tends to win, irrespective of people’s willpower or plans to make change happen. It is unwise to underestimate the power of the familiar.
The Status Quo is Reliable: It means that those who fight to maintain the status quo don’t want to lose the emotional stability that it provides. They don’t have to think or worry in the context of the existing state of affairs – they can thrive on autopilot. Here, the effortless flow in the known is more attractive than the promises of the unknown. Growth requires that you move towards resistance, not away from it. To advance in growth, you must understand this stability, and figure out how to effectively navigate through it.
The Status Quo is Profitable: It may not be perfect, but the status quo guarantees that people enjoy results consistently. They know how the system works and happily participate because they are programmed to get the benefits. The status quo is a proven system. It is one reason change is frowned upon. Generally, people are not willing to go through the transition process into an uncertain future where the benefits that they enjoyed from the status quo are not guaranteed. To grow, you must understand the situation, and skilfully work through the insecurities caused by the transition process as you try to birth innovation.
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