I recently spoke about the risk of becoming irrelevant — how fearful and unsettling that thought can be. Yet, it’s a very real risk unless we consciously work to stay open to change and continuously evolve to remain fit for an ever-shifting world.
When I first explored this idea, my focus was on professional relevance — our work, growth, and adaptability. It’s about keeping our skills sharp, expanding our knowledge, refining how we think and analyze, and nurturing a mindset that welcomes transformation rather than resists it.
But the more I reflect, the more I realize this truth extends far beyond the professional sphere. Relevance matters in our personal lives too — in relationships, friendships, and the communities we belong to.
Today, many relationships are becoming increasingly interest-based. Whether it’s social networks, professional circles, or community spaces, people tend to connect around shared interests, values, or ideas. To stay part of those circles, we need to remain relevant — to add value that resonates with what matters to others.
It may sound transactional, but in reality, it’s about being intentional — about growing in ways that keep our presence meaningful. The alternative is quiet marginalization — slowly becoming a part of the background while the world moves on.
Even in friendships, though it feels too intimate to frame it this way, the principle still applies. Relationships thrive when both sides evolve, stay curious about each other, and continue to bring something new to the bond.
Relevance, then, is not about competition — it’s about connection. It’s about choosing to grow with the times, with people, and with purpose.