Learning to dance in the fire
If there’s one thing this year’s taught me, it’s that the future’s impossible to predict.
Politics, business, technology and society - all experiencing massive disruption at a pace we’ve never seen before. Our world is changing, all at once, and it’s hard to know where to look next.
The sheer, unrelenting speed at which norms are being turned upside down is not only disorienting, but it’s increasing, too. It’s like a waltzer, getting faster and faster. Sooner or later, somebody’s going to throw up, and there’s a good chance it’ll be you.
At some point earlier in 2025 - I’m not sure exactly when - without realising it I slipped into a different state of mind. I suddenly understood that I couldn’t anticipate what was around the corner, so I stopped trying. I found myself reacting, pivoting faster with more creativity and accuracy than ever before (for any Dragon Ball fans out there, think Ultra Instinct…)
I felt alive. I felt energised. I felt like finally, my opportunity to show what I could do had arrived. I began to revel in the chaos.
Expecting progress to slow down is a losing strategy. The old way of doing things will continue to burn down around us until something completely new emerges. Until then, the only way through is to learn to dance in the fire.
Like many things, it begins with acceptance. We don’t like change, typically. We resist it, rail against it and try to prevent it. But this tide isn’t one you can divert. Waiting for the dust to settle will mean you’re waiting a very long time. That concept can be stressful, or it can be exciting. The possibilities ahead of us are endless, no-one’s been here before and you could be the one who sees the opportunity others don’t. There will be winners and losers forged in these flames, and the winners will be those who take action.
Embracing the challenges the world is presenting us with, entering every week knowing that something will happen that blows up the plans you’ve made, is freeing. It might sound unhinged, but relishing the unpredictability could unlock your next level. When things are easy and stable, it’s hard to differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd. But when the road gets rocky, most people struggle. That’s when you can shine.
It’s not about flitting moth-like from one thing to the next, though. Alignment still matters. A clear direction remains important. Amid all the noise, you must find things that are permanent. Purpose, focus, values, relationships - we’re still social creatures, designed to connect, grow and contribute. As the attention spans of those around us dwindle to nothing, our ability to pick a path, choose a mission and execute relentlessly, bringing the right people along, is crucial. To paraphrase Jeff Bezos, being rigid on your pillars and flexible on your methods will allow you to thrive.
The fire’s hot, for sure. It takes real nerve to go headlong into it. But when you learn how to dance your way through the flames, it’s a whole lot of fun.
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