How to think when the phrase “maintaining the status quo is decline” feels painful

There is a phrase that is said to have been stated by Walt Disney and Yukichi Fukuzawa, and which many people cite as their motto:“Maintaining the status quo is decline.”

That is what it is said to mean.

When I first heard it, I also thought,“That’s so true! I want to be someone who keeps changing!”

However, lately, I truly feel that this also “depends on the time and situation.”

I would like to talk about how you can shift your thinking when the phrase “maintaining the status quo is decline” feels painful.

For example, when your heart is tired, when you are not feeling well, or when you are in a difficult situation.

At times like these, change is the last thing on your mind, and I think there are days when you can feel thatjust being able to maintain the status quo is a huge success!

In the spring, summer, autumn, and winter of life, there are always various periods: “a time to move forward,” “a time to solidify your foundation,” “a time to sow seeds,” and so on.

If you feel that now is “a time to change,” or “a time when you want to change or need to change,” then as Walt Disney and Yukichi Fukuzawa say, it might indeed be that [maintaining the status quo is decline].

But when you “lack energy” or “have already been working hard enough,” I believe thatmaintaining the status quo is perfectly fine, and you should be proud that you are able to maintain it.

I, too, sometimes find it painful to hear the phrase “maintaining the status quo is decline” when I am tired from dealing with my own or my family's poor health, supporting my children, or navigating relationships, and I am unable to take on new challenges. .

However, by deciding for myself that “now is a time when maintaining the status quo is necessary” and accepting it, I can avoid blaming myself for not being able to move forward.
And,

Bytrusting myself,I can fully embrace maintaining the status quo.

In this way, when I am in “bring on the change mode,” Ichallenge myself, and when I am in “blaming myself for not being able to change mode,” I aim formaintaining the status quo. I think it would be great tofind a balance between these two modes.

To do that, it is important todiscern whether now is a time when it is okay for you to “maintain the status quo” or a time when you “should not settle for the status quo and should change.”

I want to constantly watch my own state and engage with my work, family, parenting, and myself while repeating to myself both the [support] of saying, “It’s okay, let’s aim to maintain the status quo!” and the [encouragement] of saying, “Now is the time to change! Do your best!”

Because all of these are important things to nurture carefully over the long term, not as a short-term battle.

I hope this will be a hint for someone today as well.

I would be happy if you could let me know you read this by clicking “Like” or “Follow” (^^)

＼Written by／
Cherishing what is important
Life Coach Sakura Shiihashi