How to Pivot in Life or Business: Is starting over the only way to change your life?
Circumstances change. Passions evolve, or even fizzle out. You enter a new season of life.
If you’re experiencing a change in your life, it’s common to want to adjust your career or business simultaneously. Change is hard for most people, and that’s understandable. There’s so much that’s unknown, unproven. There’s risk, and the requisite removal from your comfort zone.
When you’ve decided to make a change, try not to think of it as starting over. Pivoting, or changing direction, is a sign of growth. Only this time, you’re starting from experience, not from scratch.
When it’s time to change your life, try these tips:
1. Create space for what’s next.
You might only have small windows of time for this part, and that’s okay. Try journaling once a week about how you envision this next phase of your life or business. Or schedule one day a month to research, read a business book, or take a course.
It isn’t necessary to go all-in the moment you realize change is in order. Allow yourself to pump the brakes and be intentional about your next steps. Gather information, dream, and plan.
2. Be curious.
When you’re in the exploration and planning stages, follow your curiosity. Ask yourself, “What if…?”
For example, perhaps you want to diversify your business income as an interior designer. After researching options, you realize that maybe you could buy the cabin at the lake you’ve always wanted, and use it to showcase your interior design skills to potential clients. At the same time, you’ll create another revenue stream for your business by renting it out as a short term vacation rental on Airbnb.
Ask yourself, “How could I make this work?” In this example, maybe it starts as a conversation with your financial advisor, or asking for property management referrals. Allow yourself the freedom to explore your ideas.
3. Find support
Building your support network is something you should do sooner rather than later. If you’re considering a business pivot, find a mentor, coach, or consultant who has experience that’s relevant to your goals. Look for someone who’s a few steps ahead of you and has accomplished what you want to do.
Other forms of support include child or pet care and housekeeping help. Look for ways you can outsource tasks to free up windows of time to work on your business pivot or the ways in which you want to change your life. And don’t neglect self care: Create routines and habits that help you feel energized, rested, and inspired.
When you first begin to make changes in your life or business, it’s going to feel like starting over. It will feel hard because you’ve never done it before, not necessarily because it is inherently hard. Give yourself time and grace. You’ll learn, gain confidence, and develop clarity as you begin to take action.
Remember, your direction is more important than your speed! You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to see what your new vision holds for your life, and the world around you.