The Classic Definition Of Insanity Is Wrong
Ok, it’s not wrong-wrong, it’s half wrong. Here’s the classic definition of insanity:
The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again, expecting a different result. ~ Albert Einstein
It’s true. For example, you can’t lose a dollar on every deal and make it up in volume. I think we’d all agree, if what we’re doing isn’t working, we need to make dramatic changes. Right? But, what if what we’re doing is working? What if we’re not lazy? What if we’re the opposite – we’re successful? Should we keep doing the same things over and over again, expecting the same successful result? You’d think so. But doing so would fall into the insanity category as well. Here’s why.
The Other Definition Of Insanity
Because the expectations of our prospects, suspects and clients are steadily rising and savvy competitors are constantly upping the ante, doing the same things that made us successful yesterday will leave us in the dust tomorrow. Where would Apple be if it thought their first iPhone was such a big hit they didn’t need to change it or improve it? You know, what if their mindset was, if it ain’t broke why fix it? They’d be pipsqueaks instead of what they are now, right? It’s the same for you and me. If Einstein was alive today, I believe he’d approve of this second definition:
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same result.”
You see, to succeed tomorrow,we have to reinvent and relaunch ourselves today and everyday. If we don’t, we fall behind. Then disappear. I bet you can think of a two or three formerly famous companies that fell on hard times because they didn’t change with the times. For example Blockbuster comes to mind. Renting DVDs was all the rage once, you know? What will you reinvent and relaunch this week?
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Cheers. Thanks for reading. Photo Credit
