Stick #62: Adjustment Needed (Unfavorable)
方法不对事难成,及时调整是聪明。旧路不通试新路,转圜之间见光明。
Plain reading
When the method is wrong, effort will not succeed. If the old road is blocked, try a new one — timely adjustment is wisdom, and turning may bring light.
Interpretation
This is an unfavorable lot titled "Adjustment Needed." Wrong method means failure — the trouble is not lack of strength but wrong path. "When the old road fails, try the new; in turning, light appears" shows timely change is wisdom.
Advice
Pause current methods one week; list three completely different alternatives and test each in small steps. Ask someone who succeeded at similar work — take their method, not only their outcome.
From King Wuling of Zhao's "barbarian dress and mounted archery" — refusing change meant weakness, changing brought strength — timely reform breaks stalemate.