We spend so much time preparing.
Making plans.
Anticipating every possible scenario.
But here’s the reality: no plan survives first contact with life.
Much like in sports, you can train for months, but when game day comes, it never plays out exactly as expected.
That’s when real winners show their cards.
The ones who succeed aren’t the best-prepared—they’re the best at adapting.
The game changes.
You adjust.
Or you lose.
Why In-Game Adjustments Matter
1. Life Doesn’t Care About Your Plan
You can prepare all you want, but life is going to throw curveballs.
- An unexpected job loss.
- A sudden health scare.
- A surprise opportunity that doesn’t fit the script.
Clinging to a rigid plan when things go sideways?
That’s a losing strategy.
The winners?
They’re the ones who adjust their sails when the wind shifts.
2. Rigid Plans Trap You
There’s a common trap:
People fall in love with their plan.
They think, “I did everything right—it should work!”
But when things don’t go as expected, they freeze.
Or worse—they double down on a strategy that’s already failing.
Plans are guides, not guarantees.
You don’t win by following a script.
You win by playing the game in front of you.
3. Emotions Cloud Judgment
When things go wrong, emotions kick in:
Fear.
Frustration.
Ego.
In that state, people make bad decisions.
They either panic or stubbornly stick to their original plan.
The key?
Stay calm. Stay observant.
Adjust based on what’s actually happening—not what you wish was happening.
Real-Life Examples of In-Game Adjustments
a. Career Setbacks
You work hard for a promotion.
You’re sure it’s yours.
Then—boom—it goes to someone else.
Most people sulk or blame the system.
But those who adjust?
They get feedback, improve key skills, and explore better opportunities.
That’s how you turn a setback into a stepping stone.
b. Parenting Curveballs
You read all the parenting books.
You’ve got a game plan for how to raise your kids.
Then reality hits—each kid is different, and none of them follow your script.
The parents who thrive don’t stick rigidly to “the plan.”
They adjust.
They learn.
They grow alongside their kids.
c. Entrepreneurship
You launch a business.
You believe in your product.
But the market changes, or customers don’t respond the way you expected.
Do you stick to the original plan? Or do you pivot, adjust, and find a better path?
The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones with the perfect business plan.
They’re the ones who know when—and how—to pivot.
How to Build the Skill of In-Game Adjustment
1. Stay Present
Stop obsessing over what should be happening.
Focus on what is happening.
Ask yourself:
→ What’s going on right now?
→ What’s within my control?
→ How can I adjust to improve my position?
The faster you can shift from frustration to problem-solving, the faster you’ll win.
2. Drop the Ego
Sometimes adjusting means admitting your initial approach was wrong.
That’s hard—especially when your ego gets in the way.
But success isn’t about being right.
It’s about getting it right.
3. Practice in Small Moments
Like any skill, adaptability improves with practice.
Start with the small stuff:
→ Gym too crowded? Try a different workout.
→ Flight delayed? Use the extra time to read or plan ahead.
→ Internet down? Go offline and work on tasks that need no connectivity.
These small daily adjustments build the muscle of adaptability.
And when the big moments come, you’ll be ready.
Final Thought
Success isn’t about sticking to the plan.
It’s about recognizing when the game has changed—and having the courage to adjust.
In life, the game will always change.
The question is: Will you?
This post was inspired by Shane Parrish interview with coach Paul Assaiante.
