Did you know it’s harder to stand still than to walk. Art galleries and museums are so tiring because of the standing, occasional walking, then more standing. It’s known as ‘gallery legs’. Here’s why…
- Standing is not resting – when standing “still” you’re actually swaying back and forth using your ankle as the pivot point.
- The demand on a few muscles is high whereas walking engages a lot more muscles – spreading out the fatigue.
- Between strides you can rest some muscles – you’re on one foot at a time.
- Blood flow is fresher when you walk – transporting more oxygen and nutrients.
It’s the same in life. Many think it’s easier to stand still, they might be scared of moving or don’t know where they would be going, so they try and stand still. They put a lot of effort into standing still. They hunker down and try to maintain their position.
As humans we are naturally biased to the status quo. In all kinds of decision making, the status quo option is the most preferred—due to loss aversion, regret avoidance, or greater familiarity.
- I am good at what I do, and I am rewarded well. I should stay where I am.
- What if I make the wrong decision? The grass isn’t always greener you know.
- It’s not the right time to be on the market, I should wait until things calm down again.
- Better the devil you know.
What they forget though is that others are moving around them – skills are changing, technology is developing, people are joining and leaving the workforce, processes and systems are improving.
The uncomfortable truth is standing still is not an option, and nor is not choosing.
In his work Existentialism is a Humanism, Sartre wrote: “In one sense, choice is possible, but what is not possible is not to choose. I can always choose, but I must know that if I do not choose, that is still a choice.”
By choosing not to walk forward, you are choosing to stand still. In fact, you are probably working very hard to stand still. The status quo may seem safer, less painful, easier – but is it really?
Might it be time to choose? Might it be time to move forward? Might it be time to shift things a bit?
Bored in his work, Daniel realised he needed something to change—so he decided to say yes to every opportunity that presented itself over the next few weeks. And he did. Socially and professionally. He said yes to joining a local networking group, to a canoeing weekend, to a public speaking course, to becoming a mentor, to joining a quiz team—none of which he had done before.
Extract from dancing with fear and confidence by laura walker
He liked some more than others. Some were nerve-wracking. Some he wished he’d done them before. Whatever his reaction, they all taught him something useful.
Experiments are a proven strategy to create movement…
- Some use an open approach —Daniel’s ‘say yes’ mission involved just trying things to see what happened.
- Some pilot something new—by studying, volunteering or shadowing first.
- Some have rolling experiments—with a portfolio of work that begins and stops as things develop and change.
By undertaking some form of experiment, you can try new things alongside your current work, making it less risky. You can also take time to refine and develop the new skills you need. You can make sure your financial position is OK and bring people with you.
Might it be a time to step forward with an open mind and an open heart. Might it be time to choose to become more of you?
What is a realistic first step for you?
Further reading
Ibarra, H. (2004). Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career, Boston: Harvard Business School Publishing
Samuelson, W., Zeckhauser, R. Status quo bias in decision making. J Risk Uncertainty 1, 7–59 (1988).
Walker, L (2020). Dancing with fear and confidence: How to liberate yourself and your career in midlife. MPowr Publishing.
Winter, D.A. (1995) Human balance and posture control during standing and walking. Gait and Posture. 3(4) 193-214
Fulfilling work 