The Power of a Paradigm Shift

It was Thomas Kuhn, the philosopher of science, who made known the power of a paradigm shift in his controversial 1962 book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.

In his book, it shows that almost every significant breakthrough in the field of scientific endeavor, is first a break with tradition, with old ways of thinking, or limited paradigms.

Let's take the Newtonian model of physics as an example. This particular model outlines a clockwork paradigm which is the basis of modern engineering but it is partial and incomplete. The scientific world was revolutionized by the relativity paradigm which had higher predictive and explanatory value. Here was a marked paradigm shift in the evolutionary cycle of science and human development.

How does a paradigm shift relate to the field of personal development?

Firstly I think it's important to note that not all paradigm shifts are from negative to positive, as some shifts may result in things moving in the opposite direction. Much of it depends on the sources of our attitudes and behaviors.

What is the purpose of a paradigm shift? A paradigm shift allows us to see things differently, to think in a different way, to feel differently, to behave differently. If there's a sense of struggle in any of these areas, a paradigm shift can open up new perspectives for higher levels of development.

A paradigm shift can often be brought about by a crisis or stepping into a new role. These fundamental changes can allow us to open our minds to a new paradigm that is like entering a whole new world. Space or freedom emerges from what seems like chaos or something foreign.

Quantum change occurs spontaneously when we see things differently, not when we try to change surface level attitudes, behavior or personality according to external context. In order to make the kind of lasting change in personal development for greater happiness we need to instead observe the fundamental roots from which these attitudes and behavior flow.

We need to ask ourselves the question: what is the underlying assumptive base from which stems old or limiting patterns of thought, feeling and behavior? Doing this allows for greater perspective to emerge on how the fundamental motives that have been ingrained in our body/mind system prevent or assist in the realm of personal growth.

A paradigm or a belief system can be interpreted as a lens through which we see the world. This lens will invariably impact our behavior, our communication and our relationships.

So the question that may be most pertinent to ask in this instance is; what area of your life is superseded by a perception of limit? How can you work with paradigms to shift this or transform it for more relevant and expansive ways of thinking, feeling and behaving?