Embrace the Pivot

I was playing a game with my husband last night. We love to play board games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. Our new game is called Pan Am, where the player is in control of a small start-up airline making travel routes around the world.

Every move I made my husband blocked. I had to adjust my plan each round. Later in the game, I was able to make a move that blocked him. He was frozen for a moment, trying to decide what to do.

“You have to pivot,” I said, teasing. He didn’t think it was so funny.

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we must learn to pivot. Those of us who adapt to change will continue moving forward. When faced with an obstacle, we must look all around for an alternate path.

There is always an alternate path.

Back in January, there was no way of knowing all the chaos 2020 would deliver. We were all forced to pivot. Some handled it well, some struggled. I watched friends create alternative proms and weddings and birthdays. I witnessed clients successfully adjust their business practices. I observed hopeful and abominable reactions on social media.

It all comes down to the pivot.

I set my goals last year never dreaming that we would be suffering through a pandemic, economic chaos, social upheaval, and mental fatigue. Normally, at this time, I would be reviewing my accomplishments and planning for next year. And that is exactly what I will do. But I will do it with the knowledge that I may have to change my plan.

Don’t stop planning. Don’t stop goal setting. Don’t stop hoping and dreaming. Be confident in your ability to adapt, adjust, and change.

How can you embrace the pivot? The alternate path might reveal something even better.