How do I pivot when things aren’t working?
Pivoting is one of those things that, though uncomfortable, can lead to some of the most rewarding breakthroughs. I’ve been in those trenches myself, where nothing seems to click. Here’s an approach that’s both reflective and actionable:
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Acknowledge the Situation: It’s okay to admit when something isn’t working. For example, when I first transitioned to freelancing, I assumed I could replicate my corporate strategies without adjustment. Big mistake. You need to confront the reality that a pivot is necessary.
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Evaluate and Capture: Consider what parts of your current endeavor are working and which aren't. I often remind myself to Capture the insights from every failure or misstep—these are goldmines of learning.
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Zoom Out: Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What's your ultimate goal, and does the current path align with it? Sometimes when things aren’t working, it isn’t because you were wrong, but maybe because your goals have shifted.
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Consult Your Community: Lean on your network for feedback. Remember, other people can see your blind spots. I’ve found immense value in conversations with peers and mentors who have navigated similar terrains.
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Develop a New Strategy: Using what you’ve learned, develop a fresh approach. This could mean tweaking your product, targeting a new audience, or even changing industries. When developing your next steps, I often refer to the ‘Develop’ phase of my framework: immerse yourself productively in crafting something new.
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Expose and Test: Once you have a new strategy, it's time to Expose it to the world. Start small, test your new ideas in a controlled environment, and measure the outcomes. Adjust based on feedback and results.
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Embrace the Messy Middle: Understand that pivoting isn’t an overnight process. It's the ups and downs that carve out your new path. Redefine success in this stage by celebrating small wins and learning from every misstep.
Keep in mind that pivoting is less about failure and more about adaptability and growth. Every adjustment refines your approach and edges you closer to success that is authentic to you.