Have you ever felt like you were on one path, only to find yourself unexpectedly veering off course? I know I definitely have. We often create a script for our lives, envisioning how things will unfold, and when reality deviates from that script, it can create a profound sense of 'oof'! It's that jarring feeling of questioning who we are, what we stand for, and what our values truly are. I've been there, more times than I can count.
Pivoting, as I'm quickly discovering, is not only a natural part of life but a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship. I've pivoted through so many significant life experiences: becoming a mother – twice – navigating the complexities of divorce, and embracing numerous career changes. Each of these moments, though challenging, has been a lesson in adaptation and growth.
For me, personally, change can be both exhilarating and terrifying. While I generally embrace new possibilities, there are times when the unknown feels overwhelming, and I find myself resisting. But I've learned that the harder I resist, the more difficult the journey becomes. Learning to lean into the pivot has been a game-changer.
And now, as an entrepreneur, I'm finding myself navigating even more unexpected turns. With each twist and curve, I feel like I'm getting closer and closer to my purpose. I'm continuing to evolve into who I am, who I'm becoming, and who I'm truly meant to be. This journey of constant evolution, of embracing the pivot, is what I want to share with you today.
The Power of Purpose:
Many of us are searching for our purpose in life and in work, hoping that it will simply reveal itself. But I truly believe that finding our purpose is about doing the work. There's a saying, 'When the student is ready, the teacher appears,' and I think so many of us are afraid to do the work because we fear wasting time, or doing the wrong work. Yet, it's in that journey of exploration and action that we discover who we are and what we're meant to do. The more we stay still, the more we become stuck.
Life is about movement. It's about taking a step, any step, in a direction that feels right. Even when things don't go as planned – and believe me, that's happened to me countless times – the skills, resilience, and life experiences we build along the way are honed into our next stage. Each stage builds upon the last, preparing us for what's to come. We don't need to see every step; we just need to trust that the next few steps will become clear as we move forward.
When I started my candle business, it was born from a need for escape, a creative outlet amidst the darkness of the pandemic and personal challenges. I was using all my coping skills, but I needed something more. I found solace in creating candles, each scent bringing joy and calm to my home. I wanted to share that experience with others, to bring that same sense of peace into their lives. That's how my candle business was born.
If you had told me years ago that I'd be here, still running this business, I would have laughed. I've navigated countless uncertainties, even moments when I considered closing it down. But I'm so glad I persevered. Now, as I embark on my journey of launching my private practice, I feel that same resistance, but it's different this time. Having built a business before, I'm less hesitant.
I truly believe we all have a purpose, and it unfolds as we move forward. You will step into your purpose, even if you don't feel ready. You will be ready. The key is to keep moving, to keep learning, and to keep trusting the journey.
Embracing the Pivot:
Embracing the pivot is a skill in and of itself, a muscle we develop through practice and intention. It's essentially about learning to embrace change, to lean into the shifts that life throws our way. As I've navigated countless pivots – some that felt incredibly fulfilling, others that were deeply challenging – I've come to understand the profound importance of this skill. And right now, I'm deep in the throes of continuing to refine it, as I know I'll be doing for many years to come.
This skill isn't just for entrepreneurs; it's a vital part of life. For mothers, it's a constant dance of adaptation. As our children grow, their needs change, and we must evolve in how we show up for them. Learning to pivot in my role as a mother has been one of my most significant and rewarding journeys.
Embracing the pivot is also about being open to new possibilities and opportunities. It's about developing the ability to self-reflect and raise our self-awareness so that we can recognize when a pivot is happening, and see it for what it truly is: an opportunity for growth.
When we resist change, we resist growth. We cling to the familiar, even when it no longer serves us. But when we learn to embrace the pivot, we open ourselves up to a world of new experiences, new connections, and new possibilities. We learn to trust that even when things don't go according to plan, we are being guided towards something greater.
So how do we embrace the pivot? It starts with a willingness to let go of control. It means trusting our intuition and being open to the unknown. It requires courage to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace the discomfort of change. And it means remembering that every pivot, no matter how challenging, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve into the person we are meant to be.
Finding Fulfillment:
Leaning into the pivot has led me to a level of fulfillment I never imagined possible. If you had told me ten years ago that my life would look like this, I wouldn't have believed you. I never envisioned myself as an entrepreneur and a single mom. Yet, the personal growth I've experienced through these changes has shaped me into the person I am today. I've been able to help hundreds of people, and my impact has become so much greater than I ever thought it could be.
My challenge, or perhaps my invitation, to you is to lean into your own pivots. I know many of us are experiencing pivotal moments right now, and it can feel incredibly daunting. The unknown is scary. But I encourage you to truly lean in, to open your mind to the potential possibilities.
To make the journey a little easier, I've found that focusing on gratitude and the little joys of each day can be incredibly helpful. Is it a warm cup of coffee? Enjoying the simple act of drinking water? Nourishing your body with healing foods? Spending time with loved ones? Taking a walk in nature? Find those small moments of joy and gratitude.
Remember, growing and pivoting can be uncomfortable. But as we continue to lean in, we find greater fulfillment. And let's be honest, pivoting is messy! I know that's where I often get hung up – it feels chaotic and disorganized, and I'm naturally an orderly person. But I'm learning to be okay with the mess, to understand that it's a part of the journey. The mess is a part of the making, and cleaning up the mess is also a part of the making. And there are so many skills you learn in both.
Are you ready to embrace your own pivot and discover your purpose? I invite you to share your own pivot stories in the comments below – let's inspire each other!
Until next time,
Simone