How many times have we told ourselves or heard someone say, “This is just how I am”? How often have we met someone who declares, “I can’t help it, that’s just the way I’m made”?
This belief is a comfortable illusion we tell ourselves, often without even realizing it. But science tells us something entirely different, something we should remember!
We are constantly changing, and the only thing fixed in us is our obstinacy!
We Are NOT “Just Like That”—We Are in Constant Change
Every day, around 50–70 billion cells in our body die! These cells are REPLACED by a similar number of NEW cells through a process of cellular regeneration.
This change occurs so deeply and continuously that it’s INCREDIBLE to think anyone could believe in the idea of “This is just how I am.” Perhaps you didn’t know this before or hadn’t thought about it—BUT now you do, and you could take a moment to reflect!
Here are some examples of the main cells in our body that regenerate daily:
1. Skin cells: The skin regenerates every 28 days, producing new cells to replace the old ones. Every month, your skin is practically brand new!
2. Red blood cells: Every day, our body produces millions of new red blood cells, which have an average lifespan of about 120 days.
3. Intestinal cells: The cells lining the intestines renew themselves every 2–3 days, allowing our digestive system to adapt and improve.
4. Brain cells: While the brain regenerates more slowly, new connections and nerve cells are continually formed, even in adulthood.
If our body regenerates EVERY SINGLE DAY, why should we think our mind, emotions, and habits can’t evolve? If we can change biologically, we can certainly work on our psyche and emotions—at any age and step by step!
Breaking the Myth of Immobility
When we say, “This is just how I am,” we’re really just hiding in a comfort zone that prevents us from growing. It’s a safe space, but over time it becomes harmful—to ourselves and our relationships—because it LIMITS us and makes us believe change is impossible. Science tells us that change is in our nature; every day, we are biologically new, and we can become emotionally and psychologically new as well!
Let’s debunk this myth and adopt a new way of expressing ourselves! We can do this through awareness, self-study, working with therapists, learning effective psychological techniques, and adopting new behaviors.
Awareness and the Courage to Evolve
The key to everything is awareness. If we realize that our body and mind can change, we can embark on a path of evolution. But to do so, we also need the courage to step out of our comfort zone and seek change. Instead of saying, “This is just how I am,” we should say, “I can evolve and become what I desire.” Growth is possible—you just need to want it.
Creating New Habits
The mind and body respond to what we do every day. To change, it’s helpful to create new habits. Just to give simple examples:
• If we want to lose weight, we need to exercise regularly, pushing beyond our limits and comfort zone.
• If we want to stop eating sweets, we should replace that craving with healthier choices and avoid buying sweets in the first place.
• If we want to read more instead of looking at screens in the bathroom, we should start by leaving our phone outside and placing a good book next to the toilet paper.
Creating new habits is a fundamental step toward change!
The Importance of Optimism
Optimism is key to overcoming difficulties. Instead of focusing on the negative, we need to train ourselves to see possibilities. Every challenge can be approached with a positive mindset: “I don’t know how to do this now, but I can find a way.” Looking to the future with hope and confidence helps us take the first step toward change.
The truth is, there are no excuses. Every day, we have the ability to renew ourselves and become who we want to be. It’s never too late. Our cells teach us that change is possible, and we can become better, stronger, and happier—every single day. Let’s not be fooled into thinking that “This is just how I am” is an unchangeable destiny. True strength lies in wanting to become something new—and most importantly, in believing it.
The question isn’t “Can I change?” but rather “What do I want to become tomorrow?”
Why not start right now?
Yoga Med Bianca 