When it’s Time to Pivot
When it’s time to pivot - some of your best work can happen…
Humans are human and mistakes happen, creations don’t always work out as hoped. Collaborators don’t always do what they were supposed to do, and clients change their minds. It isn’t always picture perfect.
But when these situations happen, they most likely require a pivot - a sudden review and change of plans. Inconvenient, yes, nevertheless…how we view and manage pivot circumstances, matter.
As hectic as these times can be, if we approach the situation with curiosity - we may reveal an opportunity to not only find our way through it, but for something better to sit in its place.
“The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times... The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
Why curiosity is a great strategy:
Curiosity fuels us - it opens our creative thinking. Fear shuts it down.
Being fuelled, we become energised.
When energised, our focus gets heightened into a ‘burst’ of action.
Bursts of action draw down on our experiences and knowledge - what we know will work.
Once the pivot has been actioned - we’re in a better position to see our way ahead, and who knows - even have some extra time for refining.
Situations can actually look more approachable when viewed through a grounded lens and curiosity. It’s when we get caught up in the inconvenience and frustration, that we risk staying stuck.
By acknowledging the feelings of frustration and ‘shelving’ them for later, we are better able to focus instead on prioritising ‘the now’, and moving into a position of creating solutions - ultimately bring peace through outcomes, faster.
“The hallmark of Human nature is each person’s great capacity to adapt, to change, and to grow. In fact, perhaps what is built in is this capacity to learn and change according to the world you find yourself in.”
Pivoting can take a bit of confidence, where some jump in while others hesitate. Also, some jump in some of the time, and hesitate at other times. New challenges, different experiences, can all bring up fears around making less desirable decisions.
This is where trusting your experiences and ability comes in.
Because, if you haven’t experienced the situation before, you will need to trust in your ability to strategise. And by leading with curiosity… some gems may be waiting to be recognised, and brought to life.
Once through it, another notch can be added to the belt of achievement.
It’s worth noting, that many people speak of these challenges as being exhausting. And they can be. They are very different to the times of creative contemplation, as they require a quick focused response - a pivot from the initial direction. One that challenges or changes the course of direction, which can initially be tense.
But what is mostly recognised by those who have come through to the other side, is that what they initially saw as worrisome, even possibly impossible to restore, landed well or with a much better outcome than they originally set out to do.
Therefore when completed, these situations can feel ultimately rewarding, where some have said they are then energised and inspired to tackle other challenges they haven’t previously felt the confidence to do!
I hope reading this, you are feeling reminded in knowing that when challenges arise, as they most certainly do in the creative fields - by trusting yourself and drawing deeply down into your experiences and knowledge will not only get you through, you may find new inspiration along the way!
As sure as the sun goes down, it always rises to a new day. It’s how we spend that day, that matters.
Sending energy and curious vibes your way,
Michelle
If you are trying to find some grounded balance within a new challenge (or challenges), and would like a discussion with someone who gets the creative work, it’s many facets, and what you may be experiencing or needing to achieve while trying to find your footing and your focus -there are options within the menu. Options have been written up so you don’t have to explain… just book and turn up.
Concrete Olive menu - ask for ‘the debrief’.