I think pivoting can be both!
A pivot often comes about as a result of something changing.
We don’t always choose the change. For example, it can be the economy. It can be someone close to us deciding to pivot. It can be a number of things.
I have often known there was a need to pivot but felt unsure or reluctant to change.
I, on occasion, want to live in the good ole days a bit longer.
Because as romantic and full of energy as it sounds when you hear someone else announce pivoting; when it’s your turn and you are choosing a pivot is quite scary!
Not everything is about the latest and greatest. While I’ve had moments when I felt energetic about something new in my life, career, or business, I have also had moments when I was more afraid than enthusiastic.
In those moments, I am more caught up in in-action rather than a flurry of advancement.
For example, I decided long ago to take a job at the same company where Earl worked. It was not a decision I took lightly.
Earl was all for it. He had no reservations about it and was ready for me to say YES.
I, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure. I thought of all that could go wrong. What if I do a terrible job and make Earl look bad? What if no one likes me there and I cause stress for Earl. All the things.
I wrestled with the decision for one whole evening. Finally, I said yes. I believe I said yes more at the thought of having to go back to being the switchboard operator than I did this new opportunity.
Isn’t that the way most pivots come about? It is more painful to stay where we are than scary to change!
Sometimes we need to get uncomfortable, unhappy or rattled in some way to make a new move. It’s sad but true.
It turned out to be an excellent decision to work at the same place as Earl. That was nearly 28 years ago, and we are still working together.
It certainly was a pivotal moment. Some would have been excited for and one that scared others of us.
So it’s ok if a pivot makes you a little nervous if it makes sense and is better than the alternative!
Pivoting for me requires prayer, strength, energy, and sometimes just a decision of one thing over another.
Sometimes they work out, and sometimes they don’t. One thing is for sure there are always lessons, experiences, and knowledge gained, even if my pivots end in a flop.
Because while the pivot to working with Earl was a success, I have had hundreds that were not.
There’s a story about the time we bought a fabric store! I was excited. I had a vision. But, it turned out to be a disaster.
Check out this week’s podcast with Earl for more on that fail :). But, the truth is a pivot is usually not all easy breezy, exciting, and new.
You will need a bit more than vision and excitement when it gets hard.
Because just like taking a sharp curve in a car requires caution, some breaking, and extra acceleration to get around the corner, successful pivots take the very same thing.
If you are considering pivoting or in the middle of one, you may not be able to see around the curve at some point. Just remember to hang it there.
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