Ep.030: Halftime Adjustments - Part Two

Midyear business reviews often trigger a natural instinct to make sweeping changes when results don't meet expectations. However, as our latest podcast episode explores, sometimes the best halftime adjustment is no adjustment at all. This counterintuitive approach might be exactly what your business needs to thrive in the second half of the year.

The business world celebrates quick pivots and constant innovation, creating pressure to change strategies at the first sign of struggle. Many leaders suffer from "shiny object syndrome" – jumping from one strategy to another without allowing sufficient time for results. As Bill Gates wisely noted, "Most people overestimate what they can do in a week, but they underestimate what they can do in a year." This perspective is critical when evaluating your midyear position and determining next steps.

Championship teams don't throw out their playbook in the third quarter when facing challenges. Instead, they recommit to executing fundamentals with greater precision. This same principle applies in business. When plans aren't yielding immediate results, the issue often isn't that the strategy is flawed – it's that execution needs refinement or simply more time to develop. As James Clear advocates with his 1% better approach, small consistent improvements compound dramatically over time, even when daily progress feels imperceptible.

The underlying reason many leaders abandon solid strategies prematurely isn't because the approach is broken – it's because the process is difficult. Our culture gravitates toward convenience and instant gratification, making the discipline of staying the course increasingly challenging. Leaders must recognize when the desire to change direction stems from discomfort rather than genuine strategic necessity.

Returning to business fundamentals provides stability during periods of uncertainty. These fundamentals vary by industry but typically include vigilant financial management, consistent culture reinforcement, and effective time management systems. As one leader in our organization discovered, simply implementing proper calendar management transformed his work effectiveness overnight – a small fundamental change with outsized impact on productivity and professionalism.

From a spiritual perspective, business leadership requires surrender more than partnership. Many leaders approach planning with the mindset, "Here's my plan, God, please bless it." The wiser approach asks, "What plans do you have for this organization?" This surrendered posture allows leaders to steward resources effectively while recognizing a higher purpose in their work.

The story from Haggai offers particular encouragement for business leaders facing disappointing midyear results. Just as the Israelites became discouraged when rebuilding the temple because it seemed less impressive than Solomon's original structure, leaders may feel their current results don't match their grand vision. Yet the promise that "the latter glory of this house will be greater than the former" reminds us that appearances can deceive and patient perseverance often yields unexpected rewards.

Whether you decide to make strategic adjustments or recommit to your existing plan, the key factor is intensity. Increase your commitment to excellence in execution. Sometimes the most courageous business decision is not making a bold change but having the discipline to continue with what you've already determined is right. This might mean "benching the distractions" – removing obstacles that divert energy from your core strategy.

Chapters:

0:15 Welcome to Episode 30

1:40 Recap of Halftime Adjustments Part 1

4:02 When No Adjustments Are Needed

11:15 Getting Back to Fundamentals

18:24 The Spiritual Side of Business Planning

24:55 Final Thoughts and Challenge