Dwelling in the dark is one the reasons why we’re afraid of change. | Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash
Change is a natural part of life, yet many of us feel an overwhelming fear of it. This fear often seems irrational, but its roots lie in the unrecognized flaw of evolution. Our ancestors survived by sticking to what was familiar—familiar places, routines, and social structures. The unrecognized flaw of evolution was that our brains developed to prioritize certainty over uncertainty. In uncertain situations where there was potential danger, our ancestors avoided risk. After all, it’s a way to survive.
Today, that same instinct often keeps us from embracing change. We fear the unknown and cling to what feels safe, even when it no longer serves us. Understanding why we’re afraid of change is essential for personal growth and progress.
Chet Shupe’s Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature gives us thought-provoking that could help us better understand human nature, which basically includes our adaptability to changes.
Understanding Why We’re Afraid of Change
The Role of Evolutionary Instincts
Our fear of change is deeply tied to evolution. Our ancestors survived by sticking to what they knew—familiar routines and environments. They faced risks in unfamiliar or uncertain situations, so their brains developed mechanisms to avoid anything unpredictable. Human nature has changed, but not entirely in this aspect.
Today, this instinct still influences our reactions. This is something that we inherit from them. We perceive uncertainty as a threat. It is because, in most cases, uncertainty is synonymous with anxiety and discomfort. This made humans resistant to change. Understanding why we’re afraid of change is a significant step in helping us recognize why we often struggle to embrace new experiences. This evolutionary tendency to seek safety in the known often holds us back from growth and progress, even when change could lead to better outcomes.
Fear of the Unknown and Loss of Control
“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown” — H.P. Lovecraft.
The adage suggests that fear of the unknown has been there since time immemorial, stating it was the oldest. A big part of our fear of change comes from the fear of the unknown. Humans have a natural need for control, and why we’re afraid of change disrupts that control. When we face something unfamiliar, our brains tend to fill in the gaps with worst-case scenarios. As a result, anxiety and uncertainty arise. We worry about what we can’t predict, leading to feelings of vulnerability and powerlessness.
Whether it’s a career shift, relocation, or personal growth and transformation, the unknown feels overwhelming. But that’s the way it is supposed to make us feel. Experiencing or trying things for the very first time is uncomfortable and scary. But these very feelings make us cling to what’s familiar, even when it no longer serves us better.
This desire for certainty keeps us stuck, as stepping into the unknown feels far riskier than staying with what’s known. Understanding this fear helps us recognize the patterns that hold us back and encourages us to embrace uncertainty with greater confidence.
Psychological and Social Conditioning
Another factor of our fears is internal (psychological) and external (social conditioning). In other words, this type of fear can be “you vs. you” or “you vs. the society.” We become fearful to embrace change because of the limitations we have on ourselves. We want to take risks, but we don’t give even the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand, we fear change because, over time, we are shaped by the messages we receive from society. We adhere to the societal norms, traditions, and predictability of things because society tells us that it is safer. Social structures and media frequently portray change as risky and uncertain, amplifying the belief that stepping into the unknown is dangerous.
These narratives contribute to why we’re afraid of change—we fear failure, judgment, and rejection. This creates a cycle of resistance, where we avoid growth out of fear of what’s uncertain. Understanding why we’re afraid of change empowers us to challenge these societal beliefs and embrace new opportunities, ultimately leading to personal growth and transformation.
They say, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump.” But when is the right to jump? How will you know the best time to take risks and accept change fully? Do you want to know more about the dynamics of human nature? Grab a copy of Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe. Get it here!