Human systems are simply how people think, feel, speak and act. As the speed of change accelerates, and complexity increases, and technology is transformed, so too must people transform.
“The time is now. Because in this time of change, the world needs every one of us to stand in our power, reach our highest potential, share our gifts and be the best that we can be. Humanity can no longer accept antiquated definitions, labels and metaphors about how we should feel and express our emotions in a world of centuries-old social and cultural dogma.”
Corina Luna Dea
Most of us don’t give a second thought to upgrading our cell phones. We don’t feel ashamed of our old phone either. We eagerly watch for and purchase the new, recognizing added benefits we gain. Why don’t we feel this way about upgrading our human systems? Many cling to outdated and ineffective human systems with a death grip and feel they are somehow wrong or guilty if they exchange one system for another. Here are possible limiting beliefs:
If the majority of people are still doing things this way, how can it be outdated? For centuries, people have largely used domination, win/lose and force to get things done. They operate from “it’s a dog eat dog world” and “tough love.” Business executives, parents, teachers, church officials and many others defend what I call leading with intimidation sometimes aggressively, passively or hidden inside a velvet glove. This system is a symptom of too much masculine energy not tempered with feminine energy (in each person) resulting in fear-based, self-serving, scarcity minded, non-empathetic, transactional and steamroller ways of interacting. By feminine energy, I refer to a blending of empathy, compassion, win/win, and nurturing success and wellbeing in all. Feminine and masculine energies together in balance create incredibly lifegiving individuals and groups.
You feel you must justify your existing human systems. Using win/lose control methods creates inferiority feelings in people, and then they feel the need to justify this human system: “I was pushed, punished, shamed and controlled and I turned out ok. We need to go back to the good old days when people knew their place.” You may be ok, but only in spite of this. We must connect the dots regarding the consequences of these methods and our current and massive dysfunctional problems. Our existing human systems can look effective, to one person or group and get “results” they may want and quickly, but always involve oppressing some, and causing dangerous, negative side-effects for all.
While centuries old, those practicing our predominant human systems as they have been expressed, end up closing their hearts, disdaining compassion, optimism and service, and support transactional relationships. Sadly, with any scrutiny at all, it is glaringly obvious that the outcomes for the current human systems have a lousy and destructive track record.
You believe upgrading your human systems is confusing, inconvenient, ineffective and too much trouble. First, these are actually more fitting descriptors for our outdated human systems. Many people long for a new solution that brings about positive, collaborative and creative outcomes. Not having this is quite inconvenient and causes a lot of trouble. There are people who do offer proven human system upgrades shown to be highly effective and life-giving. Any upgrade is too much trouble unless we realize the value of it and price we pay for not adopting it.
You worry about being in the minority. All positive change starts with a minority of thought leaders and change agents. They are the ones remembered throughout history. Being in the majority with stagnant, ineffective human systems wins you no great favor, fulfillment, advantage, nor prize. Seek to take reasonable risks. Don’t constrict in the face of our increasing speed of change. Upgrading is part of our natural evolution, including upgrading our human systems. We need radical social change and emotional and social intelligence frameworks. By foregoing the majority of people, you may lose some friends who are afraid of change, but others will join with you who encourage you to adapt and ensure you thrive.
You worry you’ll lose your identity and relevance if you admit existing human systems are outdated. Being part of a herd of people who contribute to massive problems, lack inspiration, with little commitment to collaborate and co-create solutions, have an identity and relevance I encourage you to shed. This fear demonstrates transactional thinking rather than prioritizing service and competency over your reputation. Find a tribe who is courageous about necessary change and upgrades; innovators who keep their eyes wide open, pragmatic about noticing results from one human system to another, and then make informed decisions. Choose making service to all more important than attachment to what you think is your identity and relevance. Then you gain both without trying and you live the most relevant and fulfilling life of meaning you could ever imagine.
This article is published in the column Emotional Intelligence in the Women’s Journals, November/December 2019
