How To Be Successful During Times Of Rapid Change

We’re living through times of unprecedented and rapid change. Changing technologies, changing expectations, changing opportunities.

 

During times of change, we need to change too, to continue to be successful. An important part of this change is the learn unlearn relearn cycle.

 

Of course, we need to learn to be successful: learn about new opportunities, emerging technologies, the potential of the future. However, we must also unlearn what is no longer true.

 

Consider these points:

 

·         Diamonds are the hardest substance know to man.

·         Pluto is a planet.

·         The Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space.

 

They all used to be true. But now they are no longer true. Cubic boron nitride is harder than diamonds. Pluto was stripped of its planet status in 2006 and reclassified as a dwarf planet. And it is easier tosee the lights of large cities — and major roadways and bridges and airports and dams and reservoirs – than the Great Wall.

 

What is ‘true’ is changing all the time. The examples above can be recognized by us all, but what about the changes that are taking place in your life and your work, which you just haven’t noticed. What do you need to recognize as no longer true, in order to be successful? 

 

Once you’ve learnt what is not true, you need to relearn the world as it is, to be successful. This cycle of learning, unlearning and relearning is the first secret of success during times of rapid change.

 

As you are learning, unlearning and relearning to keep up with these times of change, you also need to challenge yourself to succeed.

 

The best way to do this is with FAST goal setting. FAST goals are quickly replacing SMART goals as the best way to achieve success.

 

Remember SMART? Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound? Useful when life is relatively stable and predictable. They work well with an annual goal setting process and performance management cycle.

 

The FAST goals acronym and methodology is much more relevant during times of change. FAST stand for Frequently discussed, Ambitious, Specific and Transparent.FAST goal settingis a much more reliable route to success during times of rapid change.

 

Frequently discussing your goals ensures that they are still relevant and well understood by everyone. Discussing your goals also serves to ensure that all your work is sharply focused on goal achievement.

 

‘Ambitious’ because during times of change it’s essential to push ourselves to grasp opportunities to succeed.

 

“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.”Richard Branson.

 

Specific, to give you the focus you need.

 

Transparent, to ensure that everyone around you understands to goals too. Collective alignment, focus and effort will make it much easier for you to achieve your goals.

 

Use the learn, unlearn, relearn cycle to maintain your expertise in during times of rapid change. From this foundation, set yourself FAST goals to achieve success!