If there’s one word that’s become synonymous with change, it’s “pivot.” And if you’re a Friends fan, you can probably hear Ross shouting it right now: “PIVOT!”
While Ross was desperately trying to navigate a tricky staircase with a couch, the idea of pivoting has a much broader (and slightly less chaotic) application in our professional lives.
As we navigate the third quarter of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and—if necessary—pivot. The goals you set at the beginning of the year might still be in focus, or perhaps the landscape has shifted, and it’s time to consider a new direction. Whether you’re thriving or facing unexpected challenges, a mid-year check-in is a powerful tool to ensure you’re on track or to make a strategic pivot that aligns with your evolving vision.
Step 1: Reflect on the Journey So Far
The first step in any meaningful check-in is reflection. Take a moment to look back at the past six months and consider your progress.
Key Questions:
What goals did you set at the beginning of the year? Have you achieved any of them, or are you on track to do so?
What successes have you experienced? Celebrate those wins, no matter how small.
What challenges have you faced? How did you overcome them, and what did you learn from the experience?
Actionable Tip:
Consider journaling your thoughts or discussing them with a trusted colleague or mentor. Sometimes, speaking your reflections out loud can offer new perspectives and insights.
Step 2: Assess Your Current Position
Once you’ve reflected on your journey so far, it’s time to assess where you currently stand. This involves an honest evaluation of your progress and any areas where you might be falling short.
Key Areas to Evaluate:
Goals: Are your original goals still relevant? Have any new priorities emerged that require your attention?
Resources: Do you have the resources—time, money, energy—needed to continue on your current path? If not, what adjustments can you make?
Alignment: Are your actions aligned with your long-term vision? Have you drifted from your core purpose or values?
Actionable Tip:
Create a simple chart or list to visualize your progress. Sometimes seeing things laid out in black and white can help clarify what’s working and what isn’t.
Step 3: Decide Whether to Stay the Course or Pivot
After reflecting and assessing, it’s time to make a crucial decision: should you stay the course or pivot? This is where the concept of "Change Unscripted" comes into play—embracing the possibility that it might be time to shift gears.
When to Stay the Course:
If your goals are still relevant and you’re making steady progress, staying the course might be the best option. Consider doubling down on what’s working and making minor adjustments to overcome any obstacles.
When to Pivot:
If you find that your goals no longer serve your long-term vision, or if you’re consistently facing challenges that hinder your progress, it might be time to create your mid-year pivot strategy. This doesn’t mean abandoning your goals entirely but rather adjusting them to better align with your current reality.
Actionable Tip:
If you’re considering a pivot, identify one specific area to focus on first. Whether it’s shifting a product line, adjusting your business strategy, or re-prioritizing your personal goals, starting with a targeted change can make the process feel more manageable.
Step 4: Create an Action Plan for the Remainder of the Year
Whether you decide to stay the course or pivot, creating an action plan for the remainder of the year is essential. This plan should be flexible enough to accommodate further changes but detailed enough to guide your actions.
Action Plan Elements:
Goals: Revise or reaffirm your goals for the last quarter and a half of the year. Be specific about what you want to achieve.
Milestones: Set key milestones that will help you track your progress and stay motivated.
Resources: Identify any additional resources you’ll need and how you plan to acquire them.
Accountability: Determine how you’ll hold yourself accountable. Will you check in with a mentor, set monthly reviews, or use tools like project management software?
Actionable Tip:
Use a digital tool or planner to map out your action plan. Regularly revisit it to ensure you’re staying on track or making necessary adjustments.
Embrace the Unscripted
As we move through the third quarter and approach the final months of the year, remember that change is a natural part of the journey. Whether you’re staying the course or pivoting, the key is to approach the future with confidence, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt. Your success isn’t defined by how perfectly you stick to the original plan but by how you navigate the twists and turns along the way.
So, take this time to check in with yourself, reassess your goals, and embrace the power of the unscripted. The remainder of the year holds endless possibilities—let’s make the most of them.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below—how are you approaching your mid-year check-in? Have you decided to stay the course, or is it time for a pivot? Let’s learn from each other’s experiences as we navigate the rest of the year together.
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