Pivoting in Life and Business: The Key to Adaptability and Success

Anytime I think about pivoting I think about the scene in “Friends” involving Ross yelling “Pivot!” as he and Chandler attempt to move a couch up a narrow staircase to Ross’s new apartment. The scene is a perfect example of the challenges of pivoting and the importance of communication.

I have pivoted in my life what feels like a gazillion times and I am only 48 years old but one of the cool things I learned growing up in foster care is to be adaptable and have the ability to change direction, in response to what is happening in my life or business or opportunities that have shown up.

Pivoting in life is about recognizing when you need to change direction, and then doing so in a deliberate and intentional way. Pivoting is about acknowledging that what worked for you in the past may no longer be serving you, and having the courage to make a change.

Recognizing the Need for a Pivot

As I mentioned, the first step in pivoting is recognizing when it’s necessary and yes we do get plenty of signs that let us know a change may be necessary. The trick really is to actually notice those signs and then listen to them.

I originally went to college to earn my Bachelor of Science in Accounting to become a CPA but also to support my then-husband in his business. But I quickly realized when working as a bookkeeper that sitting in a cubicle for 8 hours wasn’t exactly my idea of fun and it wasn’t really how I wanted to earn my paycheck. But it took several more pivots before I took the leap to earn the degree I really wanted and become a mental health therapist.

And let me just add that I pivoted again to become a full-time business owner who makes art, writes blog posts and books, and helps people along the way. And this is where my heart and soul are the happiest.

So you might feel stuck or unfulfilled in your current job and paying attention to the signs is important so you don’t stay in that situation longer than necessary because it can be detrimental to your well-being.

Navigating the Pivot:

Here’s the thing I know to be true even to those who are accustomed to constant changes, it’s a daunting task because often it means stepping into the unknown and facing fear and uncertainty. There was a time in my life when I would simply just leap instead of planning it a bit. When you have a plan you can be clear about the milestones, seek out advice and support from others, and be willing to take calculated risks.

It’s also important to manage fear and uncertainty by recognizing that they are normal and expected emotions during times of change. By remaining adaptable and open-minded, you can embrace the opportunities that come with a pivot and learn from any challenges that arise.

And you don’t always have to do it alone. You can book a goal-setting + strategy session with me if you want some support and guidance.

Benefits of Pivoting:

While pivoting can be challenging, the benefits can be significant. By making deliberate and intentional changes in your life, you can increase your overall fulfillment and happiness. Pivoting also opens up opportunities for growth and learning, as you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Perhaps most importantly, pivoting can improve your overall quality of life by allowing you to align your actions with your values and goals.

Challenges of Pivoting:

Of course, pivoting is not without its challenges. Some of the obstacles you might encounter when making a pivot include resistance from others, fear of failure, and financial or logistical obstacles. It can be difficult to deal with pushback from friends, family, or colleagues who might not understand or support your decision to pivot. Fear of failure can also be a major obstacle, as making a change in our lives always involves some degree of risk. Finally, there may be practical challenges to making a pivot, such as financial constraints or logistical barriers. However, by acknowledging these challenges and staying focused on our goals, you can overcome them and come out stronger on the other side.

At the end of the…

Pivoting is an essential part of life. Whether you’re making a big career change or simply shifting your perspective, recognizing the need for a pivot and taking action can lead to increased fulfillment and happiness. While there may be obstacles along the way, by developing a plan, managing fear and uncertainty, seeking support and guidance, and remaining adaptable, you can successfully navigate a pivot and find success in whatever you choose to pursue. So if you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your life, take some time to reflect on whether a pivot might be necessary, and don’t be afraid to take the leap.

Your future self will thank you.