We have to dare to modernize to get room to maneuver for the

"We have to dare to modernize to get room to maneuver for the priorities in the future." These words, spoken by Erna Solberg, echo the eternal truth that progress and innovation are the bedrock upon which the future is built. To dare to modernize is to have the courage to change, to step away from the comforts of tradition, and embrace the new possibilities that lie ahead. Without this willingness to evolve, we are bound to the past, shackled by outdated systems and ideas that no longer serve the needs of the times. Solberg’s call to modernize is not a mere suggestion—it is a command for those who wish to shape the future, to break free from the constraints of what is familiar and make space for what is to come.

The ancient world was no stranger to the concept of change. The Greeks and Romans stood at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, where the wisdom of the past collided with the needs of an ever-evolving world. The creation of democracy in Athens, the rise of Roman law, and the remarkable advances in engineering were all the result of a society daring to step into the unknown, to modernize its ways of thinking, and to create systems that could thrive in the future. The great architects and philosophers of their time were not bound by the ideas of the past but dreamed forward, daring to imagine a world beyond the present.

Solberg’s message resonates with the same call to action that rang through the ancient leaders of change. To modernize is to give ourselves the freedom to shape the future, to carve out space where new ideas can flourish. It is only by breaking free from the constraints of old systems that we can make room for the priorities that lie ahead—be they in politics, economics, technology, or culture. Innovation is the force that drives humanity forward, and it is the boldness to innovate that allows us to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Consider the example of Henry Ford, who dared to modernize the way we thought about manufacturing. When he introduced the assembly line, he not only revolutionized the automobile industry but also laid the foundation for mass production in nearly every sector. His vision of a more efficient, accessible, and affordable world was born from his willingness to challenge the norms of his time. By daring to modernize, Ford created room for the priorities of the future: a future where industrialization, economic growth, and accessibility were no longer distant dreams but concrete realities. Ford's courage to change not only transformed the automobile industry but reshaped the course of history itself.

Solberg’s quote reminds us that modernization is not merely about adopting new technologies or trends—it is about changing our mindset and approaching problems with a fresh perspective. Just as Ford did, we must ask ourselves: what is holding us back from creating a better future? What traditions, beliefs, or practices no longer serve the evolving needs of our societies? The answer lies in daring to confront these obstacles head-on and make bold, innovative choices that clear the path for the priorities that will define the future. Whether in leadership, business, or personal growth, the act of modernizing opens doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain closed.

The lesson here is not just about embracing technology or change, but about recognizing that modernization is a necessary force for progress. To cling to the old ways is to risk stagnation, to stay in the shadows while the world moves forward. Erna Solberg speaks to this reality: if we wish to have the freedom to address the challenges of tomorrow, we must first have the courage to transform today. Modernizing is not a luxury—it is a necessity for those who seek to influence the world in a meaningful way.

In your own life, ask yourself: what aspects of your world—your work, your relationships, your habits—are holding you back from embracing the future? What would it look like for you to dare to modernize in the areas that matter most? To do so requires a willingness to leave behind what is comfortable, what is familiar, and to face the uncertainty of change with confidence. Modernization is not without its challenges, but it is through this daring that we carve out room for the priorities of the future—the goals, the dreams, and the aspirations that will define our lives. Do not fear the unknown; rather, embrace it, for it is in the unknown that the future unfolds.