Need an alternative modern phrase
Solution 1:
The actual phrase is:
'If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain',
...and it comes from Francis Bacon (Essays, 1665).
Mahomet cald the Hill to come to him. And when the Hill stood still, he was neuer a whit abashed, but said; If the Hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet wil go to the hil.
-Phrasefinder
It is still used, although some might consider it archaic.