There is a certain comfort in consistency. It feels safe, predictable, and reassuring.
We are taught to value it — in our careers, relationships, and even identities. “Stay true to yourself,” they say. “Don’t change for anyone.” But what if staying the same isn’t always the best choice? What if growth requires us to shed old versions of ourselves, even when it feels uncomfortable?
The ancient Stoics understood this well. Heraclitus, a philosopher often associated with Stoicism, famously said: “No man steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river, and he is not the same man.” His words remind us that change is not only inevitable but natural. Just as a river is constantly flowing, so too are we. To resist change is to resist life itself.
Yet, many of us cling to the idea that consistency is a virtue. We fear that changing our minds, habits, or even dreams will make us seem unreliable or inauthentic. But here’s the truth: growth isn’t a betrayal of who we are — it is an evolution of who we are becoming.
Take the story of Khaled Hosseini, the acclaimed author of The Kite Runner. Before becoming a literary sensation, Hosseini was a practising physician. For years, he dedicated himself to medicine, a field that demanded precision, discipline, and consistency. But deep down, he felt drawn to storytelling, a passion he had nurtured since childhood. It wasn’t an easy decision to pivot from a stable career in medicine to the uncertain world of writing, but Hosseini allowed himself to change. He embraced the evolution of his identity, and in doing so, he gave the world stories that have touched millions of hearts.
Hosseini’s journey is a powerful reminder that change isn’t something to fear — it’s something to embrace. It’s not a sign of weakness or indecision; it’s a sign of life.
But let’s be honest — change is hard. It requires us to let go of the familiar, step into the unknown, and confront the discomfort of uncertainty. I remember a time in my own life when I struggled with this. For years, I had defined myself by my career — my title, achievements, and reputation. But as I grew older, I began to feel a disconnect between who I was and who I wanted to be. I realised I had outgrown some of the beliefs and habits that had once defined me.
Letting go of those old identities wasn’t easy. It felt like losing a part of myself. But in doing so, I discovered new passions, new perspectives, and a deeper sense of purpose. I realised that change wasn’t a betrayal of my past — it was an invitation to my future.
The truth is, we’re all works in progress. The person you were five years ago isn’t the same person you are today, and the person you are today won’t be the same person you’ll be five years from now. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay — it’s beautiful.
Consider the story of John Grisham, the bestselling author of legal thrillers. Before becoming a household name, Grisham was a lawyer. He spent years practising law, a career that provided stability and success. But like Hosseini, Grisham felt a pull towards storytelling. He began writing his first novel, A Time to Kill, while still working full-time as an attorney. It wasn’t an easy transition, but Grisham allowed himself to change. He embraced the evolution of his identity, and in doing so, he built a legacy that has captivated readers around the world.
Grisham’s story reminds us that growth often requires us to let go of who we think we’re supposed to be in order to become who we’re meant to be. It’s not about abandoning our values or principles — it’s about allowing ourselves to evolve in ways that align with our deepest truths.
As Rumi once wrote, “Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” Change is the thread that weaves the tapestry of our lives. It allows us to grow, learn, and become the fullest expression of ourselves.
So, the next time you feel the pressure to stay the same, remember Heraclitus’ river. Remember Khaled Hosseini, John Grisham, and the countless others who embraced change as a catalyst for growth. And remind yourself that you’re allowed to change — not because you’re inconsistent, but because you’re alive.
Because in the end, the only constant in life is change.
Professor Dr Nahrizul Adib Kadri is a professor of biomedical engineering and the principal of Ibnu Sina Residential College, Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
