When You Need to Pivot…
I don’t know about you, but life doesn’t always go the way I planned or thought it would. It’s not like math and there is no formula of a+b=c. I have big goals and dreams for 2024, yet instead of starting with a bang…it began with a slow fizzle and turned into embers. January was filled with challenges of a month long sickness, stress and worry about kiddos, some stress with work, and travel – while fun can be exhausting. February was looking brighter with a college dance team reunion and college tour with my youngest at The University of Alabama. And boy did we have a lot of fun in a very short period of time (did I mention how travel works)? We returned from our memory making weekend to a house and dog that smelled like skunk many baths later and a family medical emergency that we weren’t expecting and still on going.
You can make all the vision boards and set all the goals, yet sometimes life goes off the rails and you need to reset. During this time it’s important to take care of yourself. Stress can take a toll on us and we will adjust and adapt better when we take better care of ourselves during the process.
I remember listening to Jen Hatmaker’s podcast and one of her episodes she discussed her divorce. She said that Brene Brown called her as soon as she found out (yes, don’t we all wish we had THE queen Brene call us with life advice out of the blue) and she told Jen that she needed to take care of herself through this divorce like it was her JOB. Like sleep, nourish your body, move your body, go to therapy, and do all the things to manage your stress.
We oftentimes have to give ourselves permission to take care of ourselves or put ourselves first. It’s unfortunate because when we are our at our best, we can show up at our best for others. The old “air mask” analogy is used often for a reason. If we are passed out or burned out, we aren’t a help to anyone.
Photo by Valeria Ushakova on Pexels.com
When life takes an unexpected turn and you find yourself needing to pivot and adjust course, it’s important to approach the situation with flexibility, resilience, and a proactive mindset. Here are some steps you can consider:
Reflect on Your Goals:
Take some time to reflect on your current goals and priorities. Assess whether they are still aligned with your values and long-term objectives.
Accept Change:
Understand that change is a natural part of life. Accepting it can help you adapt more easily and open your mind to new possibilities.
Assess the Situation:
Evaluate the reasons behind the need for a change. Is it due to external factors beyond your control or internal factors that you can address? Understanding the root cause will help you make informed decisions.
Stay Positive:
Maintain a positive outlook. Focus on the opportunities that may arise from the change rather than dwelling on the challenges. A positive mindset can foster creativity and resilience.
Seek Support:
Reach out to friends, family, mentors, or colleagues for support and advice. Discussing your situation with others can provide different perspectives and valuable insights.
Set New Goals:
Establish new, realistic goals based on your revised circumstances. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps to make the transition smoother.
Develop a Plan:
Create a detailed plan outlining the steps you need to take to implement the changes. Having a roadmap can help you stay focused and organized during the transition.
Learn and Adapt:
Embrace a learning mindset. Be open to acquiring new skills or knowledge that may be necessary for your adjusted path. Adaptability is a valuable trait in navigating change.
Take Action:
Begin implementing your plan step by step. Start with small actions to build momentum and gain confidence in your ability to navigate the new direction.
Evaluate and Adjust:
Regularly assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. Stay flexible and be willing to adapt further as needed.
Embrace the Journey:
Understand that the journey to your goals may not always be linear. Embrace the challenges and experiences along the way, as they contribute to your personal and professional growth.
For me? That looks a lot like how I try to live every day with pray, personal development, mindset work, movement, managing my stress, creating space for calm, journaling, focusing on the good that is still happening, looking for ways life is working out, and recommit to my priorities and boundaries. Remember that pivoting and adjusting course is a common part of life, and the ability to adapt is a valuable skill. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and use it to shape a path that aligns with your evolving aspirations.
