Thursday, March 13, 2025

You can't teach an old dog new tricks

The proverb "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" implies that it is often difficult to change established habits or learn new skills when one is set in their ways or has become accustomed to a particular routine. It suggests that once someone has reached a certain age or stage in life, adapting to new methods or learning new concepts becomes increasingly challenging. This proverb often reflects the idea that flexibility and adaptability diminish over time, making it harder to embrace change.

Consider Amandine as an example. She has been working in a traditional industry for many years and has developed a set of well-established practices. Although she is open to learning and improvement, she finds it challenging to adopt new technologies or methodologies that have recently emerged in her field. 

For instance, if Amandine is accustomed to manual record-keeping and her industry shifts to a digital system, she might struggle to adapt to this new technology due to her long-standing habits. This situation exemplifies the proverb, as her entrenched practices make it difficult for her to embrace the new system fully.

In her relationship with her husband, André, Amandine encounters similar challenges. André has certain routines and preferences that he has followed for years, and Amandine sometimes finds it hard to introduce new habits or changes into their shared life. For example, if Amandine wants to modify their weekly meal plan to include healthier options, André may resist this change due to his established dietary habits. Despite Amandine’s efforts, shifting André’s long-standing preferences proves to be a significant challenge.

From this proverb, we learn that while change is often difficult, it is not impossible. It highlights the importance of patience and understanding when trying to introduce new concepts or practices to individuals who are accustomed to their ways. It also teaches that adaptability might be more challenging for those who have deeply ingrained habits, but it underscores the value of persistence and encouragement in facilitating change.

By recognizing these challenges, Amandine can approach change with empathy and realistic expectations, understanding that gradual adjustments may be necessary to overcome resistance to new ideas.


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