Here’s one thing about innovation: what got you here won’t get you there.
In the world of business and innovation, there comes a time when organizations must face a hard truth: today’s success can become tomorrow’s biggest obstacle if you let it. Many businesses fall into the trap of holding on to what works now—what’s familiar, comfortable, and profitable.
But that’s the danger. That’s the trap. And that’s the Innovator’s Dilemma.
When you focus all your energy on preserving the status quo, you leave the door open for someone else to rewrite the rules and shape the future.
To stay ahead, you must be willing to dismantle what’s working today for what could work better tomorrow. This means breaking down existing models, taking risks, and trusting that the uncomfortable process of change will lead to breakthroughs.
Looking back, every major innovation in business was preceded by moments of disruption, where old methods were abandoned to create room for the extraordinary:
Netflix: Originally a DVD rental service by mail, Netflix pivoted to streaming, revolutionizing the entertainment industry. This shift allowed them to become a dominant force in the streaming market.
Amazon: Starting as an online bookstore, Amazon expanded into a vast e-commerce platform, cloud computing (Amazon Web Services), and even physical retail (Whole Foods acquisition).
Apple: Transitioning from computers to consumer electronics, Apple introduced the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, transforming how people interact with technology.
And so on….These companies succeeded because they understood this truth: breaking down is not a failure. It’s the messy, uncomfortable beginning of transformation.
Yet, businesses often resist this natural process, clinging to legacy systems, predictable revenue streams, or familiar practices—only to realize later that comfort and safety can be the riskiest strategies of all. Consider Kodak, Blockbuster, and Borders as examples.
Innovation isn’t about making small, safe changes to what’s already working. It’s about having the courage to take a sledgehammer to your own success when the future demands it.
Think about:
- A once-profitable product becoming obsolete, forcing a pivot.
- A revenue stream being sacrificed to embrace disruptive innovation.
- Teams facing the discomfort of resistance, uncertainty, and fear of failure.
When your business is on the verge of breaking down, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing your footing.
It’s uncomfortable, scary, and chaotic. But this is where the magic happens. Growth comes when you step into the unknown and let go of what no longer serves you.
So, how do you face this?
- Trust the Vision: Have faith that breaking down what’s comfortable is necessary to create something extraordinary.
- Engage in the Present: Use the breakdown as an opportunity to learn and adapt, instead of retreating into outdated practices.
- Accept the Change: Embrace the discomfort—it’s the price of growth.
Breaking down isn’t failure; it’s evolution. Just as nature thrives on cycles of death and rebirth, businesses must embrace the collapse of old structures to make way for new opportunities. Resisting this process only stalls progress and creates tension, while embracing it empowers organizations to move forward with clarity and purpose.
As leaders, teams, and organizations, the question is not whether you will face breakdowns—but how you will respond when they arrive. Will you resist the discomfort or embrace the opportunity to create something extraordinary?
Don’t cling to what worked yesterday. Be bold enough to tear it down, and trust that the future you build will be worth it. The breakthroughs come when you stop asking, “How do we make this better?” and start asking, “What comes next?”
Breaking down clears the path for breakthroughs, creating space for reinvention, authentic growth, and innovation.
In the end, embracing the discomfort and chaos of breaking down is not a sign of failure, but a testament to your commitment to growth and transformation. It’s about recognizing that the journey to extraordinary innovation often begins with dismantling what no longer serves you and stepping boldly into the unknown.
True leaders understand that the path to greatness is paved with moments of disruption and uncertainty. They see beyond the immediate discomfort and focus on the potential for reinvention and progress. By fostering a culture that values adaptability and resilience, you create an environment where breakthroughs can flourish and innovation can thrive.
As you move forward, remember that the strategies, tools, and mindsets that brought you here will not necessarily take you to the next level. Continuously seek new paths, be willing to disrupt your own successes, and trust that the future you build will be worth the challenges you face.
Stay bold, stay visionary, and always ask, “What comes next?”
