Reposition yourself

Hi there,

As we close in on the first half of the year while looking forward to the second half – we must deliberately reposition ourselves in response to our current realities.

It is often said that the only constant thing in life is change. Without a doubt, this era in human history exemplifies this assertion more than any other. We live in a world that is continually changing due to – economical, technological, cultural and political issues. In addition, we also have to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, which is now in its third wave in certain countries.

2021 was expected to be a watershed year on a personal, organizational and national level, ushering us into a year of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic which has unexpectedly shifted the agenda. The pandemic caught everyone off guard, disrupting every area of our lives and we’re still trying to figure out how to get around it. It’s no secret that many of our skills sets have and will become outdated after COVID-19 and the only way to stay relevant is to adapt. Yes, You Need to Reposition Yourself.

The relevance of repositioning yourself is clearly captured by the inspiring success story of the Kellogg Company, a leading American producer of ready-to-eat cereals and other food products founded in 1906. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes was one of the earliest and remains one of the most popular breakfast cereals in the world. Through innovative advertising techniques and improvements in the quality of their cereals, the company prospered. The present name was adopted in 1922 after it began making cereals other than cornflakes.

In 1969, the company diversified and adapted to contemporary trends, as they explored novel emerging flavors with the help of technology. By the beginning of the 21st century, Kellogg had refocused its product lines into categories that included ready-to-eat cereals; convenience and snack foods such as granola bars; cookies, cracker products and frozen breakfast foods.

In retrospect, Kellogg Company has thrived for over 115 years, surviving various upheavals such as the transition from a time when carriages and mail orders were the only means of delivery because there was no internet, computer or electricity, to a time when electricity, internet and automobiles are available 24 hours a day. It has also survived two World Wars (1914–1918 and 1939–1945), the Spanish Flu Pandemic (1918–1920) and the current Corona Virus (COVID19) Pandemic. Kellogg has clearly repositioned itself and adapted to the ever-evolving world and is currently rated as one of the most valuable food brands worldwide. Looking back on the company’s history, its ability to continually adapt has been critical to its continued success over the years.

Similarly, for you as an individual, you must continuously reposition yourself by being brutally honest as you evaluate your current life state, realign your goals and re-envision your pathway for greater life accomplishments.

Charles Darwin was clearly right when he said; “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Are you feeling stuck right now? Are you unable to see a way forward? Here’s my advice to you: Reposition Yourself.

Today I want to share with you 3 tips for repositioning yourself and moving forward with your goals:

1. Don’t Abandon Your Vision

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand that to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” – Gail Devers

Although quite a lot has happened in our world today– keep your focus on your big picture. Your plans and goals may change, but you don’t need to abandon your vision. Remember, your vision serves as a compass to keep you on track toward your destination. The winds of change may blow you in a different direction, but your compass will always point you back to your destination. Learning from the Kellogg story, it is clear how the company maintained its vision. Although diversification and the need to adapt to societal need crept in, Kellogg Company didn’t leave the food industry. As diversification became necessary, the company stayed glued to its initial vision.

So, Hold on to Your Vision.

2. Identify and Accept the Changes Around You

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn

Life is evolving and will never go back to what it was. If you keep waiting for things to “return to normal” before you move forward with your life and career, you’ll be waiting forever. It is time to do some research; to discover new trends around you and across the world. Ask yourself; “How do these changes affect me?” For example, now that working remotely has become a global phenomenon, how does this impact your job search or your learning goals?

In 1969, the Kellogg Company began to diversify. This act of diversification was a sign of the acceptance of societal change. Although cornflakes remained Kellogg’s main product, they understood that they needed to evolve. The company had two choices: to stay with its traditional product or adapt to the change. It made the latter choice and is better for it today. Since change is inevitable, acquaint yourself with the changes that time brings and accept them.

3. Rewrite Your Action Plan

“Make big plans, but change your plans as time changes.” – Kenny Marchant

During the first wave of the Covid 19 pandemic last year, Kellogg Company had the highest demand for its goods in the week leading up to the lockdown measures. Although the company has failed to give specifics of their actions and plans, Kris Bahner, Kellogg’s spokesperson, explained that the company was taking proactive actions to adjust to changes brought about by increase in demand as a result of Covid-19: a typical example of rewriting action plan.

Based on the changes you have observed, highlight at least three specific areas you need to rework your plans in and reposition yourself accordingly. Are there new skills you need to learn to be able to function effectively in the post-pandemic world of work? Or do you need to change some health and lifestyle choices to minimize your risk of falling ill? You must be ready to make the necessary adjustments.

Let me assure you that you are not alone in this adjustment process; we are all repositioning ourselves. So be patient with yourself. You might make mistakes sometimes but don’t beat yourself up. Give time to find your new rhythm, keep moving forward as you achieve your remaining goals for the year.

Till the next time we meet here, remember we all have “A Role to Play.”

Bank-Olemoh is senior special assistant to the president on education interventions.