From Spinning to Winning! The Art of Pivoting in Life
What if the most challenging moments in your life are actually the catalysts for your greatest achievements?
For many of us, the global pandemic undoubtedly flipped our lives upside down and forced us to confront challenges we never imagined.
It tested us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
It forced us to confront our fears, adapt to new circumstances, and make difficult decisions.
It pushed us to think differently, reassess our priorities, and pivot — often without warning.
Some of us also found ourselves reevaluating relationships, friendships, and what really matters.
Life will always be full of twists and turns. Sometimes the path we thought was leading us to success — in life, business, or career — takes a sudden detour. It doesn’t have to take something as major as a pandemic, either. Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of life. And when they arise, it helps to know how to stay grounded, flexible, and resilient.
Let’s take a look at the art of pivoting, what it means, how to recognise when it’s time, and how to face the fears that often come with it.
What is pivoting?
Pivoting means being able to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new opportunities. It’s a valuable skill across every part of life — whether you’re navigating career changes, business setbacks, or personal transitions.
Being willing to pivot allows you to stay steady during uncertainty, bounce back stronger, and realign your path with what matters most.
How do you know when it's time to pivot?
It doesn’t need to take a pandemic or major challenge to know it’s time to pivot. Sometimes it’s simply
● Feeling stuck or unfulfilled: When you start to feel stagnant or unsatisfied with your current situation, it may be a sign that it's time for a change. Trust your intuition and listen to that inner voice urging you to explore new opportunities.
● Feeling a loss of passion or enthusiasm: If you find yourself lacking the passion and enthusiasm you once had for your current path, it could be an indicator that you need to pivot. Reconnecting with your true passions and interests can help guide you towards a more fulfilling direction.
● Changes in priorities and values: As we evolve, our priorities and values often shift. If you find that your current path no longer aligns with your core values or doesn't support the lifestyle you desire, it could be a sign that you need to make a change and pivot towards a new direction that better aligns with who you are now.
● Feeling a constant urge for change: Sometimes, you can't shake off the feeling that something needs to change in your life. Whether it's a persistent desire for personal growth, a longing for new experiences, or a need to explore different career paths, this inner urge can be a clear indication that it's time to pivot and embrace new opportunities.
Figuring out your new direction
Once you’ve acknowledged that it’s time to pivot, the next step is getting clear on what comes next. That might mean starting fresh, gently reinventing yourself, or simply tweaking your current path.
Start by getting everything out of your head and onto paper — the fears, the ideas, the “what-ifs”. Then take a second blank page and write only the positive possibilities. This simple reset can help you shift from overwhelmed to open.
Talk to people you trust. Reflect on what lights you up. Be open to exploring, and know that you don’t need all the answers right away.
Facing pivot fears
Pivoting can be scary, especially if you're leaving behind something that feels comfortable and familiar. But remember that fear is a natural part of growth, and it's important to face your fears head-on if you want to succeed. Don't let the fear of failure hold you back from making important changes in your life. Embrace the uncertainty and trust that you have the skills and abilities to succeed in your new direction.
I became a victim of relational aggression which led me to have to pivot in order to remove myself from a toxic environment in one professional area of my life. It felt like I was going through a stage of grief from being so passionately involved in what used to be so positive and uplifting, to then suddenly having to find a new path forward in a completely different way that worked for me. Eventually, the feeling of loss shifted into a new shining path of creativity and finding ways to continue what I was doing, without putting myself in situations to experience the toxicity, AND it opened so many new doors for me. So just know, that while it can seem scary and/or sad, it can be done!
Having the courage to pivot is a bold and essential step toward personal growth and wellbeing. It takes inner strength to recognise, and admit, that your current situation is detrimental and to make a change. Pivoting might mean seeking new opportunities, pursuing a different career path, or even starting your own venture. It's about prioritising your mental and emotional health while embracing the uncertainty of change. Remember, taking that leap of faith can lead to a brighter and more fulfilling future where you can thrive!
Stay committed and flexible
Pivoting doesn’t mean abandoning your goals. It simply means realigning them with your current values and circumstances.
Stay open, stay curious — but also stay grounded in what matters to you. Give yourself the grace to move forward at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to course-correct along the way.
Naomi Dyer is a Bestselling Author, International Speaker, Internationally Certified Results Coach, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor. She's a beacon of resilience and empowerment, whose journey through adversity inspires audiences worldwide.
If you would like to learn more, see her story, or book her to speak at your event visit www.naomidyer.com.au
