Same Path or Different Road?

by Scott Harper

“If you go on doing what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got.”

Warren Bennis

March 25, 2026

Are you effectively persistent?

Persistence is a great thing. In fact, it’s one of the most effective and reliable ways to achieve more success than most can fathom.

How do you know when to remain persistent and when to cut your losses and try a different route?

Most people have heard the saying, “Insanity is doing the same ol’ thing over and over again, expecting different results.”

How do you avoid falling into that trap?

Sometimes, the wisest move is to step back, look at your map, and set a new course.

Ever heard of a job-hopper named Harland Sanders? You most likely know him by his more famous title: Colonel Sanders.

After failing at all sorts of odd-and-end jobs and losing his restaurant due to the unfortunate reroute of a highway, Sanders found himself at 65, drawing Social Security, having to try something different—franchising his secret chicken recipe.

At the age most folks hope to retire, Sanders drove from town to town, living in his car, while facing countless rejections.

While remaining persistent through his struggles, he changed his approach to find profound success.

In 2024, the Colonel’s KFC brand was valued at approximately $25 billion.

Most people would agree: Trying something new was a pretty good move for the Colonel.

Persistence doesn’t always mean stubbornly staying on the same path; sometimes, persistence means seeking an alternate route to find the best path.

SHARPER LEADER:

1.      Where do you repeatedly fall short?

  • Action Step: Identify a frequent struggle. Write down what you’ve learned and seek wise counsel to understand why you’re falling short.

 

2.      Are you learning from your mistakes?

  • Action Step: Don’t limit yourself to learning from your own mistakes. Learn from others through books, podcasts, and conversations with trusted and successful mentors.

  

3.      When should you redirect your plan?

  • Action Step: Learning and growing keeps you moving forward—but not always on the right path. Remember: You can fail without being a failure. When you truly believe in something, find another way to succeed—even if you have to back up and try something new.

 

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute:

Write down one goal you wholeheartedly believe you can accomplish—but can’t get over the hump.

Write down the names of three people who can help you lead, learn, and grow in that area.

Schedule time with each of them and request their help.  

Recommended book:

Physician Leadership book

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