Adapt or Die
I was just a bright-eyed kid when those three words hit me like a bolt from the blue. A nugget of wisdomTucked into the pages of Harry Harrison's sci-fi classic, Deathworld: "Adapt or die."
That philosophy has guided me through a 30+ year trek across the ever-fracturing storytelling landscape. From the writer's room of iconic shows to the uncharted frontier of next-gen gaming, change is the only constant in the entertainment racket.
In a world where the rules are being scribbled in real-time, a “beginner's mindset” isn't just a phrase for a bumper sticker - it's a survival skill. It's about staying curious, humble, and ready to pivot at a moment's notice.
The other day, I was brainstorming with my son, a tabletop game designer, about a project where he needed to adapt on the fly for a client. Watching him tackle the challenge with excitement and openness reminded me just how critical that mindset is.
For the next generation of creatives - like my kids and so many others carving out their courses - this approach isn't optional. It's how you navigate a world where the path to success is more like a winding jungle trail than a well-paved interstate.
How do you cultivate adaptability? How do you stay nimble in an evolving industry? Here is some low-hanging fruit:
— Stay insatiably curious. Dive into emerging tech, soak up fresh perspectives, experiment, iterate, and always be on the lookout for the next idea.
— Embrace the power of "I don't know." Don't be afraid to ask questions, to admit when you're in uncharted territory. Even if that LLM on your phone is the only feedback channel available. Vulnerability is a catalyst for growth.
— Fall in love with the process, not the destination. Fixating on a single end goal can blind you to unexpected opportunities. Stay open to detours, plot twists, and the occasional retcon.
— Seek out diverse voices and experiences. The more viewpoints you can absorb and understand, the more tools you'll have in your creative toolbox. Appropriate, imitate, iterate, invent.
Adaptation in a light-speed industry is about more than just surviving. It's about thriving, evolving, and creating work that will resonate despite the surrounding chaos and transformation.
Embrace the anxiety of not having all the answers needed to open the mystery box. "Adapt or die" isn't just a catchphrase in an awesome novel that James Cameron ripped off for Avatar - it's a way of life.
