Our Hidden Presence Today: A View on Personal Change

POST TYPE: PRO TIPS

In today's fast-paced world, we gradually adapt and accept what is offered to us because it feels necessary. Sometimes, it seems like we do this just to fit in and not feel different from others. We might find it hard to keep up with the rapid pace of modern life, and I wonder if we truly realize what’s going on around us.

Why We Miss Slow Personal Change

Why is it so hard for us to notice gradual changes in ourselves, even though they’re happening all the time?

Our brains evolved to prioritize detecting sudden changes because, in nature, sudden changes often signal danger or opportunity (like a predator appearing or food becoming available). Slow, continuous change doesn’t trigger the same alert systems.

When something changes little by little — like your face aging, your height increasing during adolescence, or even the growth of a plant — each tiny difference is below the threshold of what we consciously notice. The brain’s difficulty in detecting gradual change shows up in all kinds of situations, like:

• Nature and environment

  We may not notice how a tree grows, how a riverbank erodes, or even how the climate shifts over decades because the change is slow and constant.

• Cities and spaces

  If you have lived in the same city for years, you might not realize how much the skyline, streets, or neighborhoods have changed — until you see old photos.

• Relationships

  Dynamics between friends, partners, or colleagues can shift over time in ways we don’t notice day to day, but feel obvious in hindsight.

• Habits and behavior

  The way we think, feel, or act can evolve so gradually that we don’t recognize how much we’ve grown—or slipped into unhelpful patterns—until we reflect.

• Culture and trends

  Music, fashion, language — they all shift bit by bit. We don’t always notice until we look back and think: “Wow, remember when that was popular?”

  
  

💡 Did you know? 

Embracing personal change can significantly enhance your mental well-being. Research indicates that individuals who actively pursue personal growth—such as through therapy or goal-setting—often experience substantial improvements in their overall happiness and resilience. This suggests that meaningful transformation isn't just possible; it's beneficial.

Why regular reflection matters

Our brains tend to overlook slow changes, so it’s easy to miss how we, our habits, and our surroundings are gradually evolving. That’s why taking a moment to reflect regularly — be it daily, weekly, or monthly — can be such a helpful practice.

Reflection makes slow change visible, helping us spot growth and patterns we wouldn’t notice in the rush of daily life. It supports intentional living, giving us space to ask: Am I becoming who I want to be? It also builds gratitude and perspective, as we start to see and appreciate the small steps of progress along our journey.

Most importantly, reflection prevents those moments of surprise when we suddenly realize how much things have changed. Even a few quiet moments to think, journal, or observe can help us stay aware and connected to our own lives.

RELATED: Is It Even Possible to Meet All the Modern Life Expectations?

This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or lifestyle. The author and publisher are not liable for any consequences of using this information. Thank you for visiting!

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✍️ Written by Juraj Boskovic, founder of SimpleTreeFit, fitness enthusiast, eco-olive oil producer, and entrepreneur with 10+ years of experience.