The startup phase of a business is generally infused with high levels of creativity, inspiration and excitement. The newness of ideas, products and projects lends itself to enthusiasm and an overall sense of the joy of business. As time goes on, what happens if and when that eagerness begins to fade? When obstacles are encountered and the applied strategies are having minimal results, how does one overcome frustration? When business has settled into maintenance rather than growth and forward movement, how do business leaders prevent boredom from settling in and reawaken inspiration within the organisation? These questions can all be answered in one simple word. That word is pivot.
Pivot means an adjustment or modification made (as to a product, service, business or strategy) in order to adapt or improve. There are several well-known, once-dominant companies that ultimately failed due to their refusal to pivot. Blockbuster, Kodak, Polaroid and several others, serve as cautionary tales of the dangers of ignoring the signs of change.
When pivoting in your life or business is required, it need not be intimidating or unsettling. Embrace the situation and celebrate it as the adventure that it can be.
Here are 4 tips to assist:
1. Trust your short-term instincts
When you are driving in the dark, you can’t see the entire road at once, but that does not prevent you from reaching your destination. With each kilometre that you drive, you are able to see more. The same is true of pivoting. Just because you cannot see the whole picture when you take the first step, does not mean that you should not begin. Pivoting is most effective when you focus on “what now?”. Literally keep asking, “What now?” each step of the way. Focus on the possibilities rather than being paralysed by fear and trust your short-term instincts. With each singular forward step, the larger picture will begin to come into view.
2. Don’t rely on others to encourage you
Needing the validation of others can be a devastating trap in business. I am not suggesting that you don’t listen to or include other people’s perspectives when making changes. Surrounding oneself with others who are insightful and capable can contribute dynamically. However, when it is time to adjust within your business, if you need others to validate your choices before you make them, that hesitation will very likely cost you.
Be your own cheerleader. Be your own hero. Trust yourself. Trust your awareness. Be willing to be the leader of your life and your business even if others disagree with the direction you are going. True leaders do not look for followers. True leaders do not require validation. A true leader goes where they know the need to go even if no one else goes with them.
3. Ask, “What would it take for something greater to show up?”
Einstein’s definition of insanity is “doing the same things over and over and expecting different results.” Energy lacking in your business, inspiration dwindling, boredom, minimal results – these are all indicators that it is time to pivot. Rather than soldiering on, pause and ask, “What would it take for something greater to show up? What would it take for me and my business to receive more?”
When you ask questions, you disrupt the insanity of doing the same things over and again hoping that eventually it will start to work. When you ask questions, you open doors to possibilities that you could not see before. The Universe works from a very simple and pragmatic system: Ask and receive. The Universe desires to contribute more to you and your business than you can possibly imagine. Are you asking for it? Are you asking for greater possibilities? Success, profitability and joy beyond anything you can imagine is available, you just have to ask.
4. Does this match the energy of what I wish to create in the world?
A lack of energy and inspiration in your business may be showing you that the choices that you are making are not congruent with what you truly desire. Begin by asking, “What do I wish to create in the world?” Take some time to clarify this question. When you have a sense of what that is for you, with every pivot, every choice, every change, pause and ask, “Does choosing this (fill in the blank) match what I wish to create in the world?” If the answer is yes, then go for it. If the answer is no, keep asking until you find the choice that is congruent; the one that lights you up. It’s not about finding an answer, it’s about being in question and choosing.
As a personal example, what I desire to create in the world is to empower people to know that they know and to create a greater future. When I discovered Access Consciousness and was offered the position of Worldwide Coordinator within the organisation, I had my own business. I enjoyed what I was doing. And, when I asked if accepting the position of Worldwide Coordinator matched the energy of what I wished to create in the world, it was a resounding yes.
Use the question, “Does this match the energy of what I wish to create in the world?” for every pivot within your business, as it is a reliable guide for knowing what changes are required and what choices will create more for you, for others, for your business and for the future.
True leadership is not about stagnation; it’s about knowing when to pivot and change the trajectory of your business and your life. If something seems “off”, it likely is. Ask, “Should I keep creating my business in the same manner? Or is now the time to pivot?” If it’s time to pivot, there is no need to be overwhelmed with the process. Ultimately, pivoting is simply the rearranging of the business to have more possibilities. Trust your short-term instincts; the big picture will eventually come into view. Be your own cheerleader and your own hero; you are the most valuable product of your business – act like it. Ask for something greater to show up. Ask to receive more. The Universe is ready and waiting to deliver. Clarify what you wish to create in the world and use that as the litmus test for every choice you make. Implement these pragmatic steps and your business will be infused with limitless creativity, energy, inspiration and every day will be a new beginning. Every day will be day one.
Simone Milasas
Simone Milasas is an innovative business leader, global speaker, and a self-confessed compulsive creator. Simone founded Joy of Business, a program that mentors entrepreneurs globally to create greater wealth, success, and happiness. She is the author of Joy of Business and the best-seller Getting Out of Debt Joyfully.
