The Power of Pivoting: Embracing Flexibility and Growth
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
One of the most valuable skills we can cultivate is the ability to pivot—shifting, adapting, and allowing ourselves to be flexible.
This skill has allowed me to navigate the complexities of life, embracing new opportunities and experiences without fear of starting over.
I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t ever any fear or doubt involved. I get scared, I overthink, and I worry but it’s what I do when those feelings come up that matter.
Moving Through Fear, Doubt, Worry, and Overthinking
What will people think of me?
Am I capable of doing this?
Lord, am I hearing you clearly?
Why is this happening now?
Should I just give up?
These are just some examples of things I’ve questioned during waves, chapters, and seasons of change.
The Importance of Discernment
One of the most crucial aspects of pivoting is knowing when to make a change and when to stay the course. This discernment is essential because not every challenge or obstacle requires a complete shift in direction. Sometimes, perseverance and continued effort are needed to reach our goals. Other times, a new path might offer greater fulfillment and success.
To discern when it's time to pivot, I ask myself a series of questions: Is this current path still aligned with my values and goals? Am I growing and learning, or am I stagnating? Is this situation serving my overall well-being and happiness? These reflections help me make informed decisions about whether to continue or change course.
There’s power in journaling, meditating, and talking with myself
After I’ve…
written down what emotions come up for me when I think of pivoting
talk to myself about discerning what is the next best step
and closed my eyes, placed one hand on my heart and one on my stomach, focused on breathing, and meditated with my higher self to gain clarity on what’s most aligned
I start seeing the full picture. Connecting with God and my higher self are important pieces to the puzzle.
Once I’ve decided with my entire being that it is time to shift, I can truly go full throttle with my pivot plans with full body confidence.
Letting Go: By Choice or By Force
Life often requires us to let go of things, and this can happen in two ways: by choice or by force. Choosing to let go is a proactive decision, often made when something no longer serves us or aligns with our goals- as mentioned above. It’s a conscious act of releasing what is holding us back to make room for new opportunities and growth. It’s deciding to walk the path of continued evolution. I like to call this, “forming my new set of butterfly wings.”
For example, I once worked in a job that, while stable and financially rewarding, left me feeling unfulfilled and drained. This was actually back in 2020 when I ended up doing a job I wasn’t even hired for. The position they transferred me to due to the state of the world was greatly misaligned with my values. After much contemplation and prayer, I chose to leave that position and pursue a career that was more connected with my passions. For me, I value authenticity, genuineness, and kindness. This decision to leave felt right in my soul but I was questioned by others which made it difficult… until I chose to move with trust which therefor led me to boldly proclaim my decisions. The decision to listen to the still, small voice versus outside noise led me to opened doors that brought forth new experiences and growth that I would have missed had I stayed in a chaotic, unhealthy work environment.
What do you value?
Having the foundation of who you are and what you believe will help you beyond measure. Life is a big journey, like one big roller coaster ride- what anchors you through it all? What holds you down and keeps you grounded when things start getting shaky?
On the other hand, there are times when we are forced to let go of things against our will. This could be through circumstances beyond our control, such as the end of a relationship, financial loss, or other significant life changes. These forced pivots can be challenging and painful, but they also offer powerful lessons and blooming opportunities. In my experience, these moments are often orchestrated by God, gently or not-so-gently pushing us in a direction we might not have chosen for ourselves but ultimately need.
The Difference Between Quitting and Pivoting
It’s important to distinguish between quitting out of fear and making a strategic pivot. I’ve had experiences where I stopped pursuing something before it had fully bloomed. In these instances, I quit because I was scared, overwhelmed, or uncertain about my abilities. This kind of quitting is often accompanied by feelings of regret and what-ifs, as it stems from a place of doubt rather than a thoughtful and intentional decision.
Mindful pivoting, on the other hand, is a deliberate and strategic move. It’s about recognizing when a particular path no longer serves our best interests and making a conscious decision to change direction. This process requires courage, self-awareness, and trust in the journey (loving the process). While both quitting and pivoting involve stopping something, their purposes and outcomes are vastly different. Pivoting leads to improvement and new opportunities, while quitting can leave us feeling stuck and unfulfilled.
Embracing Flexibility and Growth
The power of pivoting lies in its ability to keep us flexible and open to fresh experiences. Life is rarely a straight path, and the ability to adapt and change direction is crucial for personal and professional progress. Embracing flexibility allows us to explore, gain perspective, learn, and ultimately become more resilient.
Moving cities / changing jobs / Re-branding /Ending relationships ~ There are so many ways shifts can take place
Initially, change can feel daunting and filled with challenges, but it can eventually lead to incredible moments and relationships that enrich our lives in ways we can only imagine.
It starts with the mind. Discover what is possible for you. Visualize it in your mind’s eye. Play with possibility.
The Role of Faith in Pivoting
Faith plays a significant role in my abilities. Trusting that there is a greater plan at work and believing that everything happens for a reason provides comfort and strength during times of change. When I’m faced with a difficult decision or an unexpected shift, I rely into God to guide me and provide clarity.
The Holy Spirit, my Source gives me the courage to take risks, knowing that I’m being guided and supported.
Practical Tips for Embracing the Power of Pivoting
Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your goals, values, and current path. This helps you stay aligned with your true self and recognize when it’s time to pivot.
Embrace Change: Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for growth. Embrace it with an open mind and view it as an opportunity rather than a setback. Ask yourself, “how is this working for me?”
Seek God: The bible and prayer are powerful guides. Pay attention to His still, small voice and trust what comes up when making decisions.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and/or mentors who can provide accountability, empowerment, and encouragement words.
Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and being flexible allows you to adapt to new circumstances with ease. Be open to unfolding experiences and willing to change course when needed.
Learn from Each Experience: Every pivot, whether by choice or by force, offers valuable lessons. Reflect on these times and use them to expand and improve.
