Personal narratives play a central role in our lives. We define ourselves based on carefully curated collections of past events. With references to the past and to values, identities are formed and played out. Consistency has been expected from us since early childhood; we are used to behaving predictably and expect others to do so too.

But sometimes we claim we want to change. To be different (improve?) as persons, couples, and groups. Psychology and therapy practice are full of such examples. Think of loneliness, addiction, and climate change for some big ones.

So, what needs to change for us to change? What alibi would justify becoming different? How to escape the consistency trap? What justifications do we list for maintaining the current, undesirable state of affairs? Why do we feel a need to make rational and consistent arguments to justify changing?

After outlining the above from the position of a researcher, the speaker would like to learn what you think. Buzz words: subjectivity, progress, time, and the self. There is much doing going on and so many voices shout incessantly about what the future should be like; it may be informative to explore some assumptions.