Human Beings: Works In Progress, Never Finished – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1166

Human Beings: Works In Progress, Never Finished – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1166

Dear Colleagues! This is Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1166 for Pharma Veterans. Pharma    Veterans Blogs are published by Asrar Qureshi on its dedicated site https://pharmaveterans.com. Please email to pharmaveterans2017@gmail.com  for publishing your contributions here.

Dan Gilbert

Preamble

Daniel Gilbert in his TED Talk of March 2014, which attracted over seven million views, made the following statement. “Human beings are works in progress that mistakenly think they’re finished. The person you are right now is as transient, as fleeting and as temporary as all the people you’ve ever been. The one constant in our lives is change.”

This observation may feel unsettling, but it captures one of life’s deepest truths: we are never static. We often assume that who we are today, our beliefs, preferences, values, and even our sense of identity, is permanent. Yet, when we look back, we realize how much we have already changed. What once felt unshakable, childhood dreams, youthful ideals, early career ambitions, relationships we thought would last forever, now seems like a past life. And just as we evolved from those earlier selves, we will continue to evolve tomorrow.

Understanding this reality of constant change isn’t just philosophy; it carries profound implications for how we live, lead, and find meaning in our journeys.

The Illusion of a Finished Self

One of the most common psychological blind spots is the belief in a “finished self.” We often think: This is who I am. This is what I want. This is how I’ll always be. This illusion helps us feel grounded, but it is misleading.

As teenagers, many of us felt certain about what mattered, friendships, freedom, or fitting in. In our twenties, we might have chased career success or personal adventures with the conviction that they defined us. Later, priorities shifted again, family, financial stability, or purpose became central.

Each version of our selves felt final at the time. Yet, the person we were at 16 is almost unrecognizable compared to the person we became at 40 or 60.

The lesson is clear: today’s “final self” is tomorrow’s steppingstone.

Change as a Constant Companion

Gilbert’s insight reminds us that change is the one true constant. We are always in motion, whether we notice it or not. Our bodies age, our relationships evolve, our environments shift, and our understanding deepens.

Yet change is not only external; it is also internal. Our minds adapt, reinterpret, and reshape meaning as we accumulate experiences.  Recognizing change as a permanent companion helps us avoid the trap of clinging to outdated versions of ourselves.

Why We Resist Change

Despite its inevitability, many of us resist change. Why?

Fear of the Unknown – The future is uncertain. To accept that we are unfinished means accepting that tomorrow’s version of ourselves may make decisions we can’t yet imagine.

Attachment to Identity – Our self-image gives us stability. To admit we are unfinished sometimes feels like erasing who we are today.

Comfort in Certainty – A “finished self” creates a sense of closure. It’s comforting to think we have arrived, even if that belief limits our growth.

But resisting change comes at a cost. It narrows opportunities, stifles curiosity, and creates frustration when life inevitably shifts.

Embracing the “Work in Progress” Mindset

If we accept that we are never finished, how should we live? The answer lies in embracing the “work in progress” mindset.

Curiosity keeps us open to new ideas, people, and perspectives. Instead of defending who we are, we can explore who we might become.

The world changes rapidly—technologies, economies, and social values shift constantly. Those who thrive are not those who resist, but those who adapt.

We don’t owe loyalty to outdated versions of ourselves. Outgrowing old dreams or values is not betrayal; it is growth.

Whether through reading, travel, conversations, or formal education, continuous learning keeps us aligned with the person we are becoming.

The Leadership Perspective

For leaders, Gilbert’s insight has particular relevance. Many CEOs, managers, or entrepreneurs fall into the trap of believing that once they have mastered their role, the work is done. But organizations, like individuals, are works in progress.

A leader who resists change becomes the guardian of obsolete practices. A leader who embraces change fosters innovation, resilience, and agility. The most impactful leaders evolve alongside their teams, recognizing that their style, strategies, and priorities must adapt over time.

Great leaders also recognize that their people are works in progress too. Instead of labeling employees as fixed “star performers,” “average,” or “difficult”, they nurture the potential for growth.

Relationships and Change

The idea that we are unfinished also transforms how we see relationships. Much conflict arises because we assume that people remain the same. We expect spouses, friends, or colleagues to be who they once were, forgetting that they too are changing. Healthy relationships are those that allow room for evolution. Instead of asking, “Why aren’t you the person you used to be?” the better question is, “Who are you becoming, and how can I walk with you in that journey?”

Finding Peace in Impermanence

At first, the realization that we are unfinished may feel unnerving. It challenges the illusion of permanence. But it also offers freedom. We don’t have to get everything “right” today. Our choices can evolve. We don’t have to be bound by past mistakes. Growth allows reinvention. We don’t have to fear uncertainty. The future self will be equipped to handle challenges we can’t yet imagine.

Accepting impermanence allows us to live with greater humility, patience, and openness. It helps us focus less on rigid goals and more on meaningful journeys.

Sum Up

Daniel Gilbert’s words remind us of a powerful truth: we are always becoming. The illusion of a finished self is comforting, but misleading. Who we are today is not who we will be tomorrow, and that is not a problem; it is a gift. To live as a “work in progress” is to embrace growth, curiosity, and humility. It is to recognize that each stage of life brings new lessons, new identities, and new ways of being. It is to allow ourselves and others the space to evolve.

Ultimately, the one constant in life is change. Rather than resisting it, we can welcome it as the essence of being human.

Concluded.

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For most blogs, I research from several sources which are open to public. Their links are mentioned under references. There is no intent to infringe upon anyone’s copyrights. If, any claim is lodged, it will be acknowledged and duly recognized immediately.

Reference: 

https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_the_psychology_of_your_future_self?referrer=playlist-who_are_you&autoplay=true