Why do we fear change even when we crave it?

We fear change, even when we crave it, because it threatens our sense of stability and identity. Even when we desire something new. Whether it be a fresh start, a different job, or personal growth. There is always that underlying fear of stepping into the unknown. Craving change often comes from dissatisfaction with our current reality, yet our minds are wired for predictability. Familiarity provides comfort, even if it’s not fulfilling. Change disrupts our routines, challenges our self-perception, and forces us to confront uncertainty. What if the change doesn’t bring the happiness we expect? What if we fail? What if we lose something we didn’t realize we valued? Another paradox is that change often requires letting go of old habits, relationships, or even parts of ourselves . And that loss, even when necessary, can feel like grief. Our subconscious clings to the safety of the known, even when the known is painful or limiting. Ultimately, we want the outcome of change, but we fear the process of getting there. The fear isn’t necessarily about the change itself, but about the in-between, the space where we are no longer who we were, but not yet who we want to become.