Animals Don’t ‘Pivot’ to Thrive, Be ready to ADAPT in 2024

Think about Zebras, somewhere in their development the ones who pivoted and ran in a new direction didn’t make it, the ones who adapted to the environment did. They are living in open, grassy areas and thriving. Scientists believe their stripes act as camouflage, serve as sunscreen and bug repellent and help them recognize each other. So let's think Zebra in 2024! The rockstars of the grasslands. 

First, we’re all conditioned against the word ‘pivot’ now. Pivoting is no longer effective. When we're sitting in a meeting and that ‘P’ word comes up, many of us have visceral reactions. Our brains light up, heart rates increase, stomachs turn and our resolve sort of deflates. Not again, are you f*ckn kidding me.

We set ambitious goals each year, "begin with the end in mind" and "reverse engineer" a plan to hit them, then we get everyone on board, and… something changes. It might be the market, the industry, the client’s expectations, or an acquisition we didn’t see coming - and then someone says the ‘P’ word.

And second, ‘Pivot’ means to turn in a new direction. I feel like we have all run in so many directions over the past few years and it's time to stop running. Let’s agree to ADAPT.

As we create goals, set targets, decide on KPI’s, and put it all into colorful gantt charts, let’s accept that it's equally important to be ready to confidently adapt, adjust, or make a needed change. 

Individuals and Organizations that ‘adapt in a positive way’ when things don’t go as planned, come out on top every time. So as you roll into 2024 with the swagger of goal setting rockstar and set your audacious targets, here are some signs to watch for, because your plans may need to change.

Sign #1: A Sense of Discomfort

The first trigger to notice is a sense of discomfort. Facing change might manifest as anxiety, frustration, or simply a feeling that something isn't quite right. When you start feeling this way, it's a clear indicator that it's time to pause and reassess. Don’t fight back. Instead of resisting change, embrace it. Use that discomfort as a catalyst for growth. It's your mind's way of telling you your planned path forward isn’t going to work, it's time to adapt your goals.

Success in 2024 won’t be a linear path. It's a winding road filled with unexpected twists and turns. If you are ready to navigate those twists with a willingness to adapt, you'll be better equipped to achieve your goals and maintain your mental health along the way.

Sign #2: Stagnation and Frustration

The second trigger to notice is a sense of frustration. Sometimes even the best plans stagnate or hit a wall. We find ourselves working tirelessly towards a goal, only to feel like we’re running in place and increasing the effort doesn’t improve the progress. This can be a sign that something needs to change.  Your current approach may not be the best one. 

You’ve heard it before, ‘Fail Fast’ and move one. Instead of banging your head against that wall, take a step back and reassess your strategy.

To be successful in 2024, you need to be open to trying different methods and techniques to overcome your obstacles. It  doesn't mean giving up on your goals; it means finding a new approach to the problem

Sign #3: External Factors and Unforeseen Circumstances

The third trigger is a sense of disorder and chaos. Life is unpredictable. It could be a global event, a personal crisis, or simply a change in circumstances that alters the landscape of your goals. There is a sense of confusion and uncertainty when well laid out plans change abruptly. 

Calmly and confidently stepping into something that is unpredictable is a valuable skill. When these events occur, it's crucial to recognize that they may require adjustments to your plans. It's not a failure to adapt in such situations; it's a sign of strength and resilience. Adapting to change is a key to success.

Replace ‘Pivot’ with Adapt

Animals adapt to their environment to survive, trees adapt to the wind and soil to survive, Netflix adapted from mail to streaming to survive. Adapting to change is necessary, not an option.The definition of RESILIENCE I use in my research, is the ability to adapt in a positive way to whatever happens in our lives.

To adapt doesn't mean giving up on your goals entirely, but rather, finding new ways to work towards them despite the challenges. The people who can confidently adapt quickly will not only come out on top but also maintain their mental well-being in the face of adversity.

As we embark on this new year, let’s get real - success isn’t about having a meticulously flawless roadmap, it's about being the rockstar who can dance through the detours. So set those skyscrapers goals, but don’t tattoo them across your chest, because they might change. Let’s have an epic journey to success in 2024 and can we collectively agree that this is the year we retire the ‘P’ word.