The root word form is in many mathcentric words: formula, formal, formality, formalism, formulate and of course simply the word form in and of itself. It suggests a structure of some permanency, something that is built in a definitive way, and of course when you’re talking about math or science, there’s likely deep thought behind the action.

You mathematically reformulate something when the new version:

What I like about this MWFYW is that the reformulation is a change that is unequivocally for the better – where ‘better’ is about efficiency and ease.

It can be hard for a mathematician to have to reformulate. They will kick and maybe even scream if you tell them that their only path to success is – after working on the same thing and being on the same path for days months years, something that they’ve modeled, that they’ve tested, that they’ve FORMulated, dang it, – that they need to reformulate because there is something very apparent blocking the path to success.

I can also tell you what reformulating is not — especially if you’re considering a reformulation in the workplace. Reformulating ≠ pivot. When businesses consider pivoting, they’re wanting to alter to some degree their core service or product in order to better meet the needs of their clientele. Pivoting is looking externally to dictate the alteration, and therefore the impact to internal is actually a reaction.

But when you reformulate, you are looking inward, first and foremost, to make your alteration. I think when a business reformulates, they’re self-aware, they’re saying “it’s me, not you.”

I believe reformulating doesn’t need to be dramatic, but it can be personal. Your business might finally accept that a new position needs to be created for responsibilities that you can’t manage yourself anymore; it’s a betterment in efficiency for everyone. A reformulation in your workplace can alternatively be automating something that doesn’t require a human component for smoothing out a process for ultimate success.

And for yourself – well, consider reformulating instead of starting over. Reformulate instead of pivoting. Reformulate instead of reacting to an outside causation that you interpret as meaning that you gotta scrap it all and do something else.

Honor your original formula, pay attention to the internal workings (that work) and make alterations for efficiency and ease.