Stuck in traffic this morning

This morning, while stuck in a heavy traffic jam, I found myself reflecting on a simple but powerful question:

Is there such a thing as being absolutely right — in life or in business?

We often see people striving to be right:

A customer wants to be right in their choice of product. A product manager wants to be right in their feature plan. A business owner wants to be right in their strategic decision.

But here’s the reality: in business, “right” is rarely permanent. What works today may be irrelevant tomorrow.

Right vs. Wrong — Two Different Meanings

Let’s separate two ideas:

Ethical right/wrong: Some actions — like honesty, integrity — are timeless. Practical right/wrong: What’s effective or “best” now, but may change with time.

This post is about the second one: in business, the “best” approach can quickly become outdated.

History Proves It

Once, using a horse for transport was “right.” It was reliable, familiar, and widely accepted. Then the petrol engine replaced it. Then hybrids and electric vehicles started replacing petrol.

It’s not that the earlier solutions were “wrong” — they simply became less effective when better options arrived.

A Lesson from Lao Tsu

This reminds me of Lao Tsu’s philosophy of Vô (nothingness) — to remain adaptable, formless, ready to flow in any direction. In business terms: Don’t get too attached to the way things are today.

What Entrepreneurs Can Learn

From this, I take two lessons:

Business: What you build today might work now, but it’s never guaranteed for the future. Constantly ask: “What could make my business obsolete?” Then prepare for it before it happens. Example: A friend of mine ran a thriving DVD rental store in the 2000s. They ignored streaming until it was too late. What you need to do: Identify one trend that could disrupt you in the next 3–5 years, and start experimenting with it now.

Family: As a father, I want the best for my kids — to equip them with the tools for life. But I’ve learned that my definition of success may be outdated in their future. My role is to support them, give them knowledge, and let them define their own path.

Balancing Adaptation with Leadership

Some might say “going with the flow” sounds passive. I see it differently:

Adaptation is the ability to respond to change quickly. Leadership is the courage to shape change before it happens. Entrepreneurs need both.

Final Thought

There is no permanent “right” in business strategy — only what works now. The winners are those who question, adapt, and innovate before change forces them to.

So Entrepreneurs: What’s one thing you believed would always work — but turned out to be wrong?