Sun Tzu wrote, “According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one’s plans.” These words hold the key to success, not just in warfare but in life. The ability to adapt—to bend without breaking—is the difference between those who thrive and those who falter when challenges arise.

Think about the plans you’ve made. Maybe it’s a career path, a fitness goal, or a personal dream you’ve nurtured for years. It’s easy to get attached to the way we imagine things should unfold. But life has its own plans—unexpected twists, obstacles, and opportunities we couldn’t foresee. When circumstances shift, do you cling stubbornly to your original plan, or do you have the courage to pivot?