Progress Happens When You Build, Not Battle

Want to Create Lasting Change? Build Something New; Don’t Fight the Old

We’ve all been there. You spot a problem, and your first instinct is to jump in and fix it. But here’s the problem with that approach: when you’re constantly fighting the status quo, you’re still operating within its limitations. And, as a result, you get stuck in the same old cycle, putting out fires instead of making real progress.

So, whether you’re trying to shake things up at work, pivot in your business, or even shift your own mindset, it’s tempting to spend all your time battling what’s broken. But here’s the truth: real, lasting change doesn’t come from fighting the old—it comes from creating something new.

Why Fighting the Status Quo Won't Get You Far

Buckminster Fuller’s quote sums it up perfectly: “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” In other words, instead of trying to fix what’s broken, build something better that naturally makes the old way irrelevant.

Take Netflix, for example. They didn’t waste time trying to improve DVD rentals—they built a new model entirely. By offering streaming, they created a future where the old way wasn’t even necessary. The same goes for Tesla. They didn’t focus on making gas-powered cars better—they focused on electric cars, a completely new concept, and in doing so, made traditional engines feel like yesterday’s news.

4 Steps to Building Something New

So, how do you apply this in your own life or business? Instead of fighting the existing reality, here are a few ways you can start building a new model that leads to lasting change:

1. Reframe the Problem

Rather than asking yourself, "How can I fix or improve this broken system?" try asking, "What does a better solution look like?" This simple shift in perspective frees your mind to explore new possibilities, unchained from the limitations of the current system. When you start thinking about the ideal outcome, you move from reactive problem-solving to proactive innovation.

2. Innovate, Don’t Renovate

Renovating old systems is like patching a leaky boat—you’ll keep bailing water, but you’ll never get where you want to go. True innovation means starting fresh. Whether it’s a new business model, a better process, or even a new way of thinking, innovation opens the door to possibilities that renovations can’t.

3. Leverage Technology

Today’s tools—from AI to automation—are game changers. Many breakthroughs we see today happen because someone found a creative way to leverage technology and disrupt outdated patterns. The key is to see technology not as a way to fix the old but as a tool to build something entirely new. Be open to exploring these technologies and let them help you leapfrog over the old ways of doing things.

4. Empower Collaboration

Great ideas rarely come from one person alone. Some of the most powerful new models are born from collaboration. When you bring together forward-thinking people who aren’t afraid to challenge the norm, you generate ideas that go far beyond what one individual could come up with alone. Don’t hesitate to partner with others, whether inside or outside your organization, to break free from old patterns and create something better.

Final Thoughts: Building the Future, Not Battling the Past

The key takeaway here is simple: stop focusing on the past. Stop fighting what doesn’t work. When you focus your energy on building something better, something that addresses the limitations of the current reality, you create a future where the old way naturally fades into the background.

So, what are you building that will make the old model obsolete? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re approaching change and building a new way forward.

#Innovation #Leadership #BuildTheFuture #ChangeMaker #CreateChange #ThinkForward #BuckminsterFuller