Daily Inspiration: “What part of ‘it’s inevitable’ do you not understand?”

“What part of ‘it’s inevitable’ do you not understand?” – #Futurist Jim Carroll

Certain things are certain – that’s a phrase I will often use on stage.

It’s a certainty your business model is going to change. That your market and industry will become more complex. That your life will become more complex and sometimes unmanageable. That your time on this mortal coil will at one time come to an end.

As a futurist, my job is to take people through time, and yet I know that many in my audience would prefer not to come along for the ride. They’re too complacent about the change that they face; they are in denial about their circumstances; they don’t believe they need to worry.

Ogden Nash made an observation that defines the future view of many people today: “Progress is great, but it’s gone on way too long!” It’s a nice sentiment, but what does that get you exactly?

It’s inevitable that you will fail at some point in time with some great new idea that you are pursuing. So what! Pick up the pieces, learn from it, and do it better the next time around!

It is inevitable that someone will have a better idea than you do. So what! Find a better idea once you see what they’ve got!

It is inevitable that someone is going to pass you in any sort of race. So what! Use them as a pacesetter and pick up your own pace.

It is inevitable that someone will look at your product or service, and come up with something new and improved. So what! Take the next step and figure out how to move past what they’ve done.

It is inevitable that you will at some point lose your inspiration and motivation, and be beaten down by some trends that surround you. So what! Remember your core goals and objectives, and restore your enthusiasm for the mission.

It is inevitable. Everything around you.

It’s what you do with that reality that matters.