"يصعب على العقل أن ينسى ما تعلمه لوقت طويل"

Changing habits or beliefs we've held for a long time isn't easy. That's the essence of this saying. It speaks to the challenge of letting go of deeply ingrained thoughts or behaviors. Imagine trying to unlearn how to ride a bike or stop believing in something you've thought was true for years. It's tough because our brains are wired to hold onto what they've absorbed over time.

This idea has roots in history. Think about ancient philosophers like Aristotle, who noted that "habitual actions" shape our character, and changing those habits takes serious effort. Even in more recent times, psychologists have delved into the concept of neuroplasticity—the ability of our brains to rewire themselves. While this shows change is possible, it also underscores that it's a slow and often difficult process.

Picture this: A friend of mine, let's call her Sarah, spent years believing she wasn’t good at public speaking. She'd get anxious just thinking about it because she’d had a rough experience in high school where she froze during a presentation. That episode etched into her mind, becoming a 'learned' belief. Fast forward to her job where public speaking became necessary. It took months of coaching, practicing in front of mirrors, and small successes for her to slowly unlearn that fear. Even then, she'd sometimes feel a twinge of that old anxiety, showing just how deeply rooted beliefs can be.

To apply this wisdom in your life, start small. If there's a belief or habit you want to change, don’t expect overnight success. Begin with manageable steps. Reflect on why you hold these beliefs. Is it because of one bad experience or repeated affirmations from others? Challenge these thoughts actively. Surround yourself with positive reinforcement and seek out new experiences that contradict the old belief. Consistency is key here. You'll likely face setbacks, but that’s part of the journey.

Now, let’s anchor this in a relatable story. Imagine you're learning a new language. As a kid, you were told you’re bad at languages because you struggled with Spanish in middle school. That stuck with you. Every time you try to learn, that inner voice—fed by years of belief—whispers, “You’re no good at this.” But now, you’ve decided to give French a go. At first, it’s frustrating. You mispronounce words, the grammar’s confusing, and that old voice gets louder. But you keep at it. You use language apps, practice with friends, reward yourself for small milestones. Slowly, that voice fades. It never disappears completely, but it becomes a faint whisper instead of a shout.

Changing long-held beliefs or habits requires patience and perseverance. It's about giving yourself grace and acknowledging that unlearning is part of growth. So, next time you face something that challenges your old beliefs, remember—you're rewiring your brain. It’s tough, but it’s possible, and every small step is progress.