In a world where change is constant and innovation never pauses, one truth remains: we must adapt, or risk becoming irrelevant.
At work, in life, and in the coaching sessions I lead, this is a core message I share. You don’t need to be an expert in every late-breaking trend, but remaining aware, curious, and open to learning keeps you agile. The goal isn’t mastery of all things—it’s the mindset of growth that matters.
Why Relevance Matters
“If you dislike change, you’re going to dislike irrelevance even more.”
— General Eric Shinseki, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, 1999
Shinseki’s words, a powerful twist on Bernard Kelvin Clive’s insight — “If you don’t stay relevant, you will be relegated” — still ring true decades later. Spoken during a time when the world started to shift under the weight of technology—dial-up internet and cell phones were transforming into broadband/DSL and smaller smarter devices. Who had a blackberry?
Fast forward over two decades, and what was once cutting-edge is now a relic of the past. The sound of a dial-up modem is now a punchline, and AI is the new game-changer. For those who resist change, it might not be “do or die,” but it could cost long-term income, career opportunities, and fulfillment.
Resilience and Relevance
In my resilience series, we talked about how our ability to adapt is a key part of growth. Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about remaining open and relevant in the face of evolving circumstances.
Sometimes I remind people who are more structured in their thinking: sure, you can still do things the “old-fashioned way,” but that will likely take you longer—and time is a more valuable currency than money. Money can be earned again; time, we never get back.
This doesn’t mean we chase every new trend, but it does mean we remain active participants in our own development.
What Does Maintaining Relevance Actually Look Like?
Whether professionally or personally, staying relevant comes down to small, intentional actions:
In Your Career:
- Webinars and Online Courses: Take time to learn about industry trends or new technologies. Even a single article can shift your thinking.
- Conferences and Events: Attend networking events or listen to speakers on emerging topics, even outside your field.
- Cross-functional Curiosity: Ask how another team works. Learn what tools or methods they use. Understanding their perspective can elevate yours.
In Your Personal Life:
- Read or Listen: Books, podcasts, and articles can feed your awareness and expand your perspective.
- Engage in Hobbies or Interests: I’ve mentioned my love for volleyball and paddleboarding before. Through these, I’ve had conversations that sparked ideas for travel, finances, and more.
- Stay Social: Three girls’ nights in one weekend recently gave me more insight than some professional workshops. Never underestimate the value of conversation.
Even if something turns out to be “not for you,” the research, the conversation, or the new perspective becomes a file in your internal “filing cabinet.” It’s yours to draw from, maybe not now, but later, when it matters most. And sometimes, that information can help someone else.
The Takeaway: Growth Is an Ongoing Practice
The world will keep moving, with or without us. Maintaining relevance doesn’t mean becoming someone new, it means evolving from who you are. It’s about choosing growth over stagnation and curiosity over comfort.
If you’re building a life aligned with your purpose and values (like we’ve discussed in posts like “The True Compass” and “The Pause That Powers Progress”), then staying current is just another way of honoring that commitment to yourself.
You don’t need to know it all.
You just need to stay open to learning.
💡 So, what will you learn this month that future-you will be thankful for?
Authentic Evolution Journey 