4 Signs Telling You You're Ready to Pivot

“Pivot” is a leading buzzword in the business world. 

Most commonly, a pivot is referred to as a shift from a former business model into a new, and hopefully more successful approach. At its core, it means a change in direction. This can be applied at the company level or within individuals experiencing change and growth in their career. The driving factors for a pivot in either case can be external, such as the rise of a competitor, or internal, including poor team dynamics and lackluster performance.

However, change can be scary and uncertainty can be paralyzing. So, how do you know when a pivot is the right move for you? 

Here are four signs telling you that you are ready to pivot:

1. You no longer love something that once brought you joy.

This can be one of the most difficult types of pivoting because of the existential doubt it carries with it. Just because you’ve lost passion for something that once mattered so much doesn’t mean the fire inside of you is absent. Take this sign as an opportunity to step away from comfort and into a newfound spiritedness.

2. Circumstances outside of your control are causing major unanticipated shifts.

On a business level, you may have lost a sponsor or the global pandemic might have caused serious economic damage to your company. For an individual, these circumstances could mean personal health problems or the loss of a loved one. Life is full of changes that you cannot control and it is important to recognize when your best response to these unanticipated shifts is pivoting. Ultimately, it’s a move that is for your own well-being, as well as for the health of your business.

3. Your gut is telling you it is time.

Sometimes, your body knows better than your brain. Take time to practice self-awareness and listen to what your physical body is telling you. Are your thoughts keeping you up at night? Is it time to back down? Is it time to take action? If pivoting means fulfilling the needs and desires of your physical body, it is the right move for you. 

4. Life is giving you clues. 

Small or big, the signs you are ready to pivot could be showing up in opportunities or challenges that sprinkle themselves throughout your day-to-day life. Maybe you have seen these clues before. If so, ask yourself, “The last time I did this, what happened?” Remember that learning doesn't occur in your comfort zone and comfort won’t happen in your learning zone.

Are the signs telling you that you’re ready to pivot? 

Read more here about how you can use self-awareness and the Enneagram to integrate and grow into your next big change.