I was taught this lesson through the tales of Steinbeck back in high school. Yet here I am, a decade later, struggling to admit that my great idea isn’t as appealing in reality as it was in my mind. #365DaysofDetroit Instagram series had the promise of radiant graffiti, quirky places, and humans of all walks of life. And some days, it achieved that goal:

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However, other days I came up pretty empty on content. I even resorted to posting a photo of a BLT. Not a proud moment. But we all make mistakes.

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I was reluctant to admit to a failed plan and rescind my undertaking, but I ultimately decided that the action (posting a daily photo) was no longer fulfilling the greater purpose (sharing Detroit with the Instagram community).

Changing your mind, strategy, or trajectory is not a bad thing. Being swayed by a compelling argument does not make you a “flip-flopper”. Refusing to calibrate with new information, insights or environments doesn’t make you reliable or consistent; It makes you a bullheaded idiot.

This is a lighthearted example, but the importance of adaptation is relevant in the most serious situations. From politics to playgrounds, we should all strive to learn something every day and to use it moving forward. It is important that we also allow others the space to do the same. One poor play doesn’t lose the game: refusing to adjust the strategy does. So, whether it’s BLT photos or interceptions, let’s accept setbacks as an opportunity for growth for both ourselves and our peers. Learn. Modify. Refine. GROW.