Breaking Out of the Status Quo: Why Change is Sometimes the Right Thing 

When people say something is “just the way it is,” they’re usually talking about the status quo, which simply means the current way things are. It’s human nature to feel comfortable with things that are familiar—after all, they’re what we’re used to. But just because something is common doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best way, or that it shouldn’t be changed. In fact, sticking with the status quo can often prevent progress, exclude others, or keep us from achieving something even better.

What is Status Quo Bias?

Status quo bias is a preference for the way things are, even if a new approach or idea might be better. Psychologists have studied how people often resist change, even when it could improve their lives or society. This resistance is often driven by fear of the unknown or a desire for security (Kahneman, Knetsch, & Thaler, 1991). But sometimes, sticking to what’s comfortable can mean we miss out on growth, inclusivity, and solutions to old problems.

For example, companies or schools might resist using new technology simply because they’re used to older methods, even though modern tools could improve productivity and learning. The status quo can be an invisible wall that limits creativity and progress.

How the Status Quo Can Exclude People

Often, the status quo is built around the needs of certain groups, while excluding others. Here are a few examples:

1. Representation in Media and Literature: Many popular movies, books, and TV shows feature similar types of characters, often missing out on diverse perspectives. Historically, minority groups, women, and people with disabilities were largely left out of mainstream media, which sent a message that these stories weren’t worth telling. While things are changing, the long-standing status quo created a world where some people didn’t see themselves represented in popular culture.

2. Workplace Norms: In many workplaces, the status quo was built around traditional 9-to-5 schedules and in-office requirements. While this worked for some people, it left out those with different needs, like working parents or people with disabilities who might benefit from remote work. The pandemic showed us that new ways of working could actually be effective, pushing us to reconsider whether the old “normal” was really the best fit for everyone.

3. Environmental Practices: For decades, society has relied on fossil fuels for energy, even as evidence of climate change mounted. This was the status quo because it was convenient and profitable, but we now know it comes at a high cost to the planet. Shifting to renewable energy sources like wind or solar power challenges the status quo but also offers a more sustainable future.

How to Recognize and Challenge the Status Quo

1. Ask “Why?”: When something is described as “just the way it is,” it’s helpful to ask why. Why is this the accepted practice? Why haven’t alternatives been considered? This simple question can reveal if something is being done out of tradition, convenience, or genuine necessity.

2. Consider Who’s Missing: Think about who might be left out or disadvantaged by the current way of doing things. Is the policy, rule, or practice benefiting everyone, or just a specific group? A good example is how companies now offer more inclusive benefits, like mental health resources and parental leave, to reflect the diverse needs of employees.

3. Embrace Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: Challenge yourself to learn about other perspectives and ideas. A study by Stanford found that people who approach situations with curiosity are more open to considering viewpoints that differ from their own, which can help in breaking down status quo bias (Stanford University, 2019).

Why Changing the Status Quo Can Make Us Better

By challenging the status quo, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and ways of thinking. Often, progress happens when someone is brave enough to say, “What if there’s a better way?” Being willing to change doesn’t mean disrespecting tradition, but it does mean improving systems so they work better for everyone.

For example, as companies and schools embraced flexible schedules and remote options, studies showed that productivity actually increased for many people, and it created more opportunities for those who couldn’t work in traditional settings (Harvard Business Review, 2021). Similarly, greater representation in media has led to richer, more diverse stories that help people see and understand different lives and perspectives.

Final Thoughts

The status quo might feel comfortable, but it can also be a barrier. By questioning it and being open to change, we allow ourselves to grow and make things more inclusive. Change may be challenging, but it can lead to a world that’s fairer, more sustainable, and better for everyone. After all, “just the way it is” doesn’t mean it’s the best it can be.