How Nature and Business Teach Us to Adapt
A couple of months ago, we visited Joshua Tree National Park, one of the most mystical and unique places I have ever experienced. It is hard to imagine how the magnificent Joshua Tree can grow and survive in such a hot and dry desert.
One plant especially caught my attention: the Teddy Bear Cholla, native to Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California. This plant has adapted to harsh conditions and has become one of the most beautiful and thriving plants in the park. Its spines not only protect it from being eaten but also offer shade, reflect light, and hold moisture. Seeing the plant in its full glory makes you admire the resilience and perseverance of this unique ecosystem.

In business, we see numerous examples of companies that started or pivoted their businesses amidst harsh conditions and thrived afterward:
· Netflix: They started as a DVD rental service and faced a huge downturn with the rise of digital. Netflix pivoted to streaming and is now leading the global streaming industry.
· LEGO: In the early 2000s, this Danish company was on the brink of bankruptcy as competition intensified and play habits changed. They rebuilt their company around measurable insights, and by 2015, LEGO had become the world’s most profitable toy company.
· Zoom: Before COVID, Zoom struggled to gain market share as Skype and Webex dominated the market. When the pandemic hit, they acted quickly, scaled their platform, and have since become the dominant player in the virtual meeting space.
These companies have one critical trait in common: the ability to remain flexible, understand their environment, and adapt their strategy to new realities and economic climates.
As we start the new year, this idea of resilience and adaptability is essential for setting meaningful goals. Like the Teddy Bear Cholla thrives by using its environment to its advantage, businesses and individuals must read their surroundings, adapt their strategies, and focus on the right priorities to grow and succeed. Goal setting is much more than defining a number, it’s about creating a plan that aligns with the evolving circumstances and prepares you for future challenges.
If you ever get the chance to visit Joshua Tree National Park, remember this: the Teddy Bear Cholla may look soft and fuzzy, but don’t be mistaken!
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