Mastering Pivots In Life's Journey
The Art Of The Do-Over
In the dynamic landscape of life, the ability to pivot – to change direction or strategy when circumstances demand – is invaluable. Do-overs provide a unique opportunity to execute these pivotal changes. If you're reading this, you know of my current pivoting. How I live life and what I choose to spend time on have value to me, which has led me to pivot. In this post, we'll consider the concept of the do-over as a form of pivoting, exploring how it enables us to navigate the twists and turns of our personal and professional paths with agility and insight.
Pivoting through a do-over means more than just trying again; it signifies a strategic shift in approach, mindset, or direction. Whether it’s altering a career path, rethinking a business strategy, or revising personal goals, do-overs as pivots involve a conscious decision to change course in pursuit of better alignment with our objectives and values. This strategic realignment allows us to adapt to new realities, leveraging our experiences and lessons learned to forge a more promising path forward.
The essence of a successful do-over pivot lies in cultivating flexibility and resilience. Flexibility enables us to remain open to change and to recognize when a pivot is necessary. Resilience, on the other hand, provides the strength and tenacity to enact that change, even in the face of challenges or uncertainties. Together, these qualities ensure that do-overs become powerful tools for transformation and growth rather than mere repetitions of past efforts.
Every do-over pivot is an iterative process, where each attempt brings new insights and learnings. This iterative nature is crucial, as it allows us to refine our strategies, learn from our mistakes, and progressively move closer to our goals. Each do-over provides valuable information and experiences that inform our future decisions, making each pivot more informed and effective than the last.
Adopting a growth mindset is essential to successfully navigating do-over pivots. This perspective views challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than insurmountable obstacles. With a growth mindset, we see each do-over as a chance to develop new skills, expand our understanding, and build resilience, transforming potential setbacks into stepping stones toward success.
Historically, the universe has provided opportunities for us to slow down, stop, and reassess what’s important to us. These events allow us to see the bigger picture and become clearer about our values. As a process of exploration, pay attention, notice, and be aware of the following;
Your Feelings
Your Dreams
Your Hopes
Your Excitement and Discomfort in certain areas
Your Body Sensations
Your Gratitude
Four simple things that can help guide you and help you create, explore, or define what is important to you in making lifestyle changes or choices are what I have learned as the Four Freedoms. While applying the above-mentioned, add to and expand on your own meaning for each of these categories.
THE FOUR FREEDOMS
EMOTIONAL—What’s my calling? What brings me joy, motivates me, and guides me? Not my purpose, but my intention. How do I intend to live?
TIME - Freedom trade-off, etc. Do I want to be my own boss so that I have freedom over my schedule, or does it feel safer for me to be employed by another having someone else structure my schedule? What feels right to me?
ABUNDANCE? What does that mean to you? Abundance comes in many forms. For example, I feel abundance when I have creative freedom. Perhaps another feels abundance more in a monetary sense and financial security. Or maybe one feels gratitude for a job well done. Abundance is received on multiple levels. Where does abundance align for me?
GEOGRAPHICAL- Where and how do I want to live? Is it important to live close to family, or by the water, perhaps in a big city, maybe bi-coastal? Where would my decision take me, and is that in alignment with how I want to live.
Finding clarity on some of life’s biggest questions can seem overwhelming for sure, but when we can check in, break it down, prioritize, and set some goals, all change is possible. The do-over pivot is a powerful mechanism for navigating the complexities of life. It combines strategic change with personal growth, allowing us to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. By embracing do-over pivots, we enhance our ability to achieve our goals and cultivate a more fulfilling and resilient journey through life. So, let’s embrace the do-over, not as a sign of failure but as an opportunity for strategic, meaningful change and personal evolution.
Stay well and be happy.
XO Donna
