Adapt to Changes Around You
It is often said that change is the only constant in life. Unarguably, this period in the history of humanity, more than any other, typifies this statement. We live in a constantly changing world occasioned by various economic, cultural, political and ideological factors. While trying to catch up with the continuous and disruptive advancement in technology, we now also have to contend with coronavirus and its effect on virtually every area of our lives.
At personal, organizational and national levels, 2020 was projected to be a landmark year, it was to usher us into a decade of endless possibilities. Unexpectedly, COVID-19 changed the agenda. It took the world by surprise, disrupting every aspect of our lives and we are still trying to get around it. It’s no news that some skills will become obsolete post-COVID-19, the only way to stay relevant is to adapt to the changes. Yes, you need to reposition yourself.
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One brand to learn from is Coca-Cola. Established May 8, 1886, the Coca-Cola company has a history that spans more than a century and has definitely seen many changes since it first began. From selling nine drinks a day at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia to selling about 19,400 beverages every second around the world, the company has survived the first and second world war; the great depressions in the 1920s-40s and various pandemics including the Spanish flu of 1918. Aside from these devastating global occurrences that have defined our world today, Coca-Cola has also managed to navigate the myriad of changes engendered by other cultural, ideological and technological factors. In fact, in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Coca-Cola CEO, James Quincey didn’t hesitate to say that the company is well-versed in surviving crises over the course of its 134-year history, he added that “every previous crisis – military, economic or pandemic – the Coca-Cola company has come out stronger”.
Today, Coca-Cola is the number 1 soft drink in the world and the 13th brand on the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands – 2020. The company’s ability to adapt to the changing demands around the world is one factor that has sustained it till date. Addressing marketers at the ANA’s annual Masters of Marketing conference 2012 in Phoenix, Joe Tripodi, Former Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer of The Coca-Cola company confessed that Coca-Cola’s “ability to adapt, participate in, and even lead in culture, is what allows the company to achieve its business goals”. Recently, James Quincey disclosed that the company’s first response to the current COVID-19 global crisis is to “have the flexibility and adaptability to adjust on a day-to-day, week to week, quarter to quarter basis – and adjust to the right amount of brand building innovation as well as revenue growth management and execution in the market.” It is clear, Coca-Cola’s plan to stay relevant post-COVID-19 is the same it has used over the century, which is to reposition and align itself with market realities.
Charles Darwin was right when he said; “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Are you feeling stuck right now? Are you unable to see a way forward? Here’s my advice to you: Reposition Yourself.
Today I want to share with you 3 tips to help reposition yourself and move forward with your goals.
1) Don’t Abandon Your Vision
Though so many things have changed, keep your focus on your big picture. Talking about their response to the crisis, Coca-Cola CEO added; we will “keep an eye on the long term such that as we work our way through the winding path of where the crisis takes us, we end up emerging stronger.” This should be your mindset too. Your plans and goals may change, but you don’t need to abandon your vision. Remember, your vision serves as a compass to keep you on track toward your destination. The winds of change may blow you in a different direction, but your compass will always point you back to your correct position. So, hold on to your vision.
2) Identify and Accept the Changes Around You
Life, as you’ve always known it, has changed; it will never go back to what it was. If you keep waiting for things to “return to normal” before you move forward with your life and career, you’ll be waiting a long time. It is time to do some research; to discover new trends around you and across the world. Ask yourself; “How do these changes affect me?” For example, now that remote work has become a global phenomenon, how does this impact your job search or your learning goals? Acquaint yourself with the changes and accept them.
3) Rewrite Your Action Plan
Based on the changes you have observed, highlight at least three specific areas you need to rework your plans and reposition yourself. Are there new skills you need to learn to be able to function effectively in the post-pandemic world of work? Or do you need to change some health and lifestyle choices to minimize your risk of falling ill? You must be ready to make the necessary adjustments.
Let me assure you that you are not alone in this adjustment process, we are all repositioning ourselves. So be patient with yourself. You might make mistakes sometimes but don’t beat yourself up. Give time to find your new rhythm and keep moving.
Remember, You Have Only One Life to Live, MAKE IT COUNT!
