John K Mitchell's Misc Blog

When It’s Not Necessary to Change, It’s Necessary *Not* to Change
When It’s Not Necessary to Change, It’s Necessary *Not* to Change


Short, punchy intro: In business, everyone bangs on about constant change. But sometimes the smartest move is to hold your ground. Here’s why sticking with what works can be your biggest competitive advantage.

Running a successful small business often feels like trying to stand still on a moving train. New tools, new trends, new rules, new “must-dos” — there’s always someone telling you to overhaul the way you work. But every now and then, you hit a moment where change isn’t just unnecessary…it’s actually the wrong move. That’s where the old saying comes in: “When it is not necessary to change, it is necessary not to change.”

I heard this quote on the radio the other day and it got me thinking.  The idea can feel a bit rebellious in an age where we’re pushed to constantly tweak, pivot, optimise and reinvent. But small businesses don’t have endless time, money and energy. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/2025/12/when-its-not-necessary-to-change-its-necessary-not-to-change/