Happy first Monday of the month! Here we goooo, August! I guess we're a few days into it now, but there is never a bad time to reevaluate, set some intentions, or maybe even make a pivot.
Before I dive into this, I want to just simply say hello to some of the new friends here! When I started these emails back at the beginning of 2021, there were like 30 people receiving them. No, I'm serious. I used to send them out weekly (lollll) and I was busting my butt every single Sunday night to make sure they were "perfect". They never were, of course not, but still I tried. There are now close to 300 people (!!!!!) who get these emails! Maybe only a few actually read them but STILL! Silliness aside, community moves me. And maybe it moves you, too. Maybe that's why you're here, because belonging feels really damn good. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life thus far to connect with so many people from so many different places. Authentic connection is one of the most beautiful gifts we can share with people, and to have that even through a little monthly email feels refreshing in a world that can sometimes feel so isolating. So, thank you (me, per usual, thanking you 500 times) for being here and for hopefully receiving a little bit of light into your week!
August's topic is the product of multiple conversations with friends over the last few weeks (and funny enough, about a lot of the same things). Conversations about feeling stuck, no longer moving, and being stagnant. Some about feeling like we're in a place where there are a lot of options but unsure of which option to choose. Some conversations about feeling like there are no options. Even for me, I've been experiencing having something in mind for so long, finding out that it truly is no longer the best option, and deciding it's time to pivot. So here we are, diving into the pivot and how to use forward motion to our advantage.
I used to play basketball when I was a kid, so when I hear "pivot" that's where my mind goes. In basketball, a player pivots when they need to change the position of their body. The player keeps one foot grounded while simultaneously using the other foot to change directions. This happens for one of two reasons: avoid turning over the ball and/or to gain a better position to make a strategic play (aka scoring a goal, baby!) If you're at all involved in the business world, you've probably also heard of this term before when a company is considering trying a new strategy to become more successful.
Putting that into perspective, pivoting in life happens for the same reasons. When we pivot as an entrepreneur, as a student, or as a professional, we are not giving up the play, instead, we are changing directions to adjust to circumstances. We can take several routes to get to one final destination- after all, life is unpredictable. Sometimes we pivot on purpose, other times we are forced to pivot (like COVID, loss, or other unforeseen circumstances) and being able navigate this directional change is not just beneficial but often crucial for personal growth, happiness, and success. It can feel tricky (let me know if any of you have mastered the art of it, because I would LOVE to know your secrets), but when we are more accepting of change and more accustomed to changing our positions during the play, (aka life) we are less likely to fumble the ball or completely lose control or sight of our direction.
Pivoting is a mindset. We seem to have expectations about how many times we’re allowed to change careers, or what kind of careers we can change to, or at what age it’s still okay to do something different. Why? What benefit does this have? One constant in life is that things will change, and they’ll change often, and they’ll change in ways we don’t necessarily like. So why not get better at changing? At dealing with change? Why not adopt the pivoting mindset? Because if we do, these changes will be less shocking, less jarring, and in return we'll become more resilient, more peaceful human beings navigating this wild ride. Listen to what your body is telling you. What option offers you the greatest sense of calm? Where are you experiencing burnout or lack of enthusiasm? May we continue moving in the direction of the life we've always dreamt of. The reality is, we will either pivot or get pivoted. If we can do it on our own terms we'll be better prepared for the impact.
So this month, let's find power in the pivot. Let's use our momentum and forward energy to make a decision that aligns with our truest self, trust that decision, and run full force in that direction- no looking back! Let's pour our energy into an opportunity and just see what it can offer. We are all allowed to change, to grow, to evolve. Maybe it's time.
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