Pivot: The Art of Adaptability

As you know, in just a few weeks, we will be ending the third quarter of 2026. This also means that we are about to hit the home stretch of 2026. The third quarter of 2026 has brought challenges, growth, development, and extraordinary opportunities. Most of all, the third quarter has brought huge opportunities for me to pivot in life and business. Since the pandemic, pivoting has become a cultural buzzword. However, most people still do not like the idea of change. My intention for this piece is to change your perspective on pivoting and help you see it as an art form that must be integrated into your life.

1. You must discern when it is time to pivot. While you may not know, I just celebrated a birthday a few weeks ago. Every birthday is special; however, this was honestly my best birthday yet. I am grateful for all the gifts that I received, but that is not what made this birthday so special. The thing that made this birthday special was hearing the personal stories of how my life and work have impacted so many people around the world. This has already been the greatest year of my life, and 2026 is not over yet. While reflecting on the last year of my life and looking ahead, I have been pondering the expansion of my business and brand for quite some time. That is one of the reasons I was inspired to write this piece. You have to be able to discern when it is time to pivot. I have built a life and business that I am proud of, and that has become highly respected around the world. At the same time, I knew it was time for a change and that it was time to change course and move in a different direction. Many think pivoting is just about changing direction. However, pivoting is being able to discern when it is time for a change, what needs to change, and also how to make the change. In other words, change must be perceived before change can become a reality in your life. If you cannot see it in your mind's eye, then you will never seize it and see it manifest in your life. Internally, you are always alerted to when you need to make an adjustment to your life.

2. You must map out your pivot. If you are famliar with my work, then you know that I am known around the world as a respected thought leader and strategist. In my work, I advise leaders around the world on a wide range of issues. In order to advise leaders, governments, and nations, you must possess more than intelligence. You must have the ability to create systems, build infrastrucutre and devise strategies. It is my ability to formulate plans and devise strategies that makes me valuable. If you are ready to make. a pivot in your life, the first thing you need to do is sit down and map out your pivot. No, the plan does not have to be perfect. However, you need a plan that is both solid and strategic. In other words, you need to map out what pivot you want to make in your life and how you are going to make the pivot. You must take the time to clarify your focus and articulate your strategy for getting from where you are to where you want to be.  Otherwise, you will find yourself on the road to nowhere. Drastic change is never realized without a defined course. You need clarity around what pivot you want to make in your life. Also, make sure that you do the due diligence and understand the cost that will come with making this change. A map will help to ease tension and empower you with the courage to make the necessary changes.

3. You must have realistic expectations. Everyone gets excited about pivoting. After all, we do not like the uncertainty of change. However, we love the rewards that come with change in our lives. While it is easy to get excited, I want to remind you that you need to set realistic expectations for your pivot. For example, some of you know that I am in the middle of a major rebranding in my business. While I have rebranded my business a few times over the years, I have never done a rebrand to this magnitude. Honestly, it has been a lot of work, but it has also been fun refining the business and gaining greater clarity around my brand. This is not an overnight process. Furthermore, this is not for the faint of heart. People see new content on social media or changes to your website and assume that it happens overnight. However, they do not see the meetings, discussions, time, energy, and investments that go into ensuring that the brand aligns with who I am and reflects my values and principles. When I say that you must have real expectations, I want you to understand that you cannot afford to allow time to become an enemy to growth and advancement. Understand that your pivot will probably require more from you than you think. Also, your pivot will most likely take longer than you think. I want you to stay flexible in your approach and be willing to make adjustments along the way. Inflexibility is a productivity drainer, and it ultimately undermines your potential. Flexibility is the catalyst for growth and elevation.

4. Pivoting is a skill that you must develop. While I believe that there are many skills you will have to develop in order to be successful, one of the most important skills I have had to develop was the skill of adaptability. If you really know me, then you know that I am very much a perfectionist. I really like things done a certain way. While this has served me well in many areas of my life, I have learned that my perfectionist ways could potentially destroy my business. Of course, you can train a person on the specifics of a role. However, you cannot expect a person to perform a job the same way that you do. Also, you have to let go of the idea that nobody knows how to do the job but you, and that there is only one right way to do the job. In other words, you must become adaptable. Please understand that I am not attacking you because adaptability is not easy. If you are anything like me, then you have been the way you are for quite some time. So you must give yourself and others grace and space as you learn how to be more adaptable. Ultimately, I want you to understand that there is more than one way to get to your desired destination. Of course, I am not implying that you can take shortcuts. As someone who is known for excellence, I never believe in taking shortcuts or being sloppy with my work. At the same time, I also understand that you may have to change your strategy or adjust your tactics to get the outcome that you desire. Adaptability is an important asset that every great leader must possess. Adaptability will unlock the imagination, creativity, and innovation of your team. Adaptability is the currency of transformation. The more developed you become in this skill, the more valuable you become.