I can’t remember the first time I ever tied shoelaces. I also cannot remember where and how I learned it, let alone who taught me. Well, I always tie my shoelaces the same way and I am not sorry for that! No judgment, please. 😁 Shoelaces and customs are in many regards alike as we imbibe norms in our society consciously and unconsciously. The crazy part is we are so used to them to the point that we suspend rationality or logic and categorize critics of our customs as enemies or rebels. For me, these customs are both motivation and justification for our actions and inactions. I can literally tie my shoelaces with my eyes closed and I'm sure it's the same for most people.
In the same vein, when we discover new and perhaps better ways of doing things, it somehow becomes very challenging to unlearn what we are already acquainted with. I think this is because those things have become part of our default setting. I once tried to learn a new style of tying shoelaces and it was somewhat frustrating. This was because the style I was conversant with represented EASE for me mentally. There was a time I flung my shoes away because the style I was learning was difficult. Relax, I'm actually a very patient person! With time, I deliberately adjusted, and I can now tie them in different ways.

One interesting aspect of this process is how our willingness to adapt and change can lead to personal growth. Embracing new ways of doing things, despite the initial discomfort, allows us to expand our horizons and improve our skills. For instance, when I eventually mastered different methods of tying my shoelaces, I realized that the frustration was worth it. This experience taught me that perseverance and an open mind are crucial when facing new challenges. In the broader context of societal customs, this same principle applies: questioning and revising outdated norms can lead to a more progressive and inclusive society. Therefore, while it may be difficult, pushing through the frustration and continuing to learn and adapt can result in significant personal and collective growth.

CHANGE takes time and may be frustrating. Growth is more and less.
Learn Unlearn Relearn.