The Myth of Being Future-Proof

If I wanted to fortify my organization and all of its data and feel secure that I am protected from almost anything, I would choose a mechanized dragon I had complete control of. It would be made of impenetrable synthetic materials and have an AI to stop threats before they happen and have access to the powers of the force.

This would be the framework for telling the story of "The Future Proof Myth". Sure, for geeks like me, it may be an exciting story, but it is a myth. Science fiction. As there is no such thing as being future-proof.

Future-proofing has become a buzzword in our fast-paced, disruptive, and volatile world in various industries and sectors. From technology to business strategies, individuals and organizations strive to make decisions that will withstand the test of time. But is it genuinely possible to future-proof anything?

Below are a few reasons to consider:

The Unpredictable Nature of Change

One of the fundamental reasons why future-proofing is a myth is the unpredictable nature of change. The future is inherently uncertain and shaped by many forces, such as technological advancements, economic shifts, and societal changes. It has yet to be determined what the world will look like in the coming years or decades. This uncertainty makes it impossible to create a plan or strategy that can genuinely future-proof anything.

Rapid Emerging Technological Advancements

Technological progress is the most compelling argument against future-proofing. Technology evolves rapidly, rendering today's cutting-edge innovations obsolete in years or even months. For example, consider how quickly smartphones, once regarded as revolutionary, are replaced with newer, more advanced models. Attempting to future-proof technology is futile, as innovation and disruption are inevitable.

Shifts Across Tapestry (TPESTRE)

Beyond technology, political, economic, social, trust, regulatory, and environmental concerns all significantly shape the future. For example, as awareness of climate change grows and social values shift, industries and businesses must adapt to meet new expectations and regulations. Furthermore, consumer preferences and behavior are constantly evolving. Attempting to future-proof without considering these evolving factors can lead to unforeseen challenges and obstacles.

The Law of Diminishing Returns

Another reason future-proofing is a myth is the law of diminishing returns. As individuals or organizations invest more resources to future-proof something, the returns on those investments often decrease. This is because predicting and preparing for every possible future scenario becomes increasingly difficult and costly.

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, the concept of future-proofing is more elusive than ever. However, planning and adapting to emerging forces, trends, and disruptions is essential. Organizations should focus on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to pivot in response to the ever-changing landscape of the future. This is called future-fitness.

Future-Fitness

Future-fit organizations are well-prepared to thrive in a constantly changing environment, adapt to emerging trends, and navigate unexpected challenges. Becoming future-fit will empower organizations to shape your future and seize opportunities that lie ahead proactively.

The next article in this series will discuss the steps it takes to become future-fit.