Flexibility is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot in business advice, but rarely with any nuance. The truth is that flexibility exists on a spectrum, and figuring out where you should land on that spectrum is one of the most important things you can do as an entrepreneur.
The Two Extremes
On one end, you have people who are completely rigid. They make a plan and stick to it no matter what. Market shifts, new information, customer feedback — none of it changes their course. These people often go down with the ship because they refused to adjust.
On the other end, you have the shiny object chasers. Every new strategy, tool, or tactic sends them spinning in a new direction. They never finish anything because they are always pivoting to the next thing. If this sounds like you, you are not being flexible. You are being unfocused.
Finding Your Balance
The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle, and it shifts depending on the situation. Here is how I think about it:
- Be flexible about tactics. If your Facebook ads are not converting, try a different platform. If your email subject lines are falling flat, test new approaches. Tactics are meant to be adjusted.
- Be less flexible about strategy. If you have done the research and decided that content marketing is your path to building an audience, do not abandon that strategy after three weeks because someone told you TikTok is easier. Give your strategy time to work.
- Be rigid about your values. Your commitment to providing real value, treating customers well, and building something you are proud of should not bend for anyone.
The Practical Exercise
Take 15 minutes this week and make two lists. On the first list, write down areas of your business where you have been too rigid and need to loosen up. On the second list, write down areas where you have been too quick to change course and need to stay the path. That simple exercise can save you months of wasted effort.
