We all have dreams, desires, and destinations that we want to experience. And how many times along that journey toward those dreams, desires, and destinations did we quit instead of simply pivoting?
I get it. I want the straight line, the smooth sailing, and the guaranteed success, but in my almost 50 years, I can honestly say that seldom happens. Have I mastered this? Nope. Am I still working through this? Yup.
First, for full transparency, me and goals, not such great friends. I have not had great success at setting goals and achieving set goals; instead, I like to set intentions. Yet somehow, manifesting through vision boards is kinda my thing. This year, I am seeking to reconcile this disconnect with goals in general and my relationship with them, still using my virtual vision board for darn sure.
Here is what I have going on so far for 2024: a word of the year, 2 goals, 1 personal, and 1 professional. I also have isolated habits that can support the goals along my path to achieving them. It is within here when we pivot. In the past, I never took the time to separate my goals from the process and path to them.
Recognizing the Pivot Point
How many times have we hit resistance in our journey and mistakenly judged it as, “this must not be for us”. When, in actuality, it was the path getting there that wasn’t right for us. Pivoting is not about giving up; it’s about adjusting our approach when faced with challenges or unexpected circumstances. It’s about recognizing when a certain path isn’t serving us, changing course, and not quitting.
Don’t be a Ross and pivot at the most inopportune moment.
Aligning Habits with Goals
Effective pivoting really boils down to having habits that align well with our goals. There’s a bit of wisdom from Aristotle that rings true here: we become what we repeatedly do. So, I’ve been giving my habits a good once-over to see what’s working for me and what’s not. It’s all about making sure my everyday actions are in sync with where I want to go. This way, I’m not just staying on track, but I’m also better at spotting when it’s time to pivot.
I’m focusing on cultivating habits that actively contribute to both my personal and professional aspirations. This approach is like having a roadmap for smooth pivoting. These habits guide me, even when I need to adjust my course. I’m convinced that this goal-habit alignment is key to pivoting effectively, making sure every step I take moves me closer to my bigger picture.
Embracing Flexibility
Using the idea of our goals as destinations, and our journey to our goals as the process and path we take to get to our destination, we can then see that detours are often part of our journeys. We don’t give up going to the store because of a stop sign, a detour, a roadblock, construction, or low fuel. We usually navigate around the circumstances between us and the store. The same can be true for our goals; our goals are destinations. And yes, it is okay to change your mind and not want that destination. Just make sure you are intentional in knowing the difference, and that you are pivoting instead of quitting on your desired destination.
As I continue on my path, I’m learning to embrace the pivots. Marty Neumeier’s words resonated with me: “…missteps are actually steps. Every mistake brings you closer to the solution.” These aren’t setbacks; they’re opportunities for growth and learning. Pivoting is an essential part of the journey, and I’m excited to see where these new paths will take me.
What about you? Have you identified areas in your life where a pivot might be necessary?
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