Dealing with Change? Make It a Pivot.
While you can't choose every change, you can choose how you pivot.
Change is one of the few things every person on this Earth experiences. You could even argue it’s one of the simplest things that binds us all together, we all experience change.
Some changes are exciting.
Some are heartbreaking.
Some we choose and others are chosen for us.
One thing is certain, change is inevitable.
This idea wasn't born from one big life event. It has been cultivated over years of navigating different seasons of life and eventually realizing that the common thread running through the moments that shaped me was the need to actively change my direction, my circumstances, or my perspective in order to move forward.
Looking back, I realized they weren't just changes; they were Pivots.
What Is a Pivot?
At Quiet Rise, a Pivot is the overall change, transition, or direction you are navigating. It begins when you reach a point where continuing as you are is no longer an option and moving forward requires a change in your direction, circumstance, or perspective.
Sometimes a Pivot looks like a new adventure, like forging a new career path, prioritizing your health, or moving somewhere new.
Other times, a Pivot begins with something that happens to you, something you would never have chosen, like a layoff, an unexpected diagnosis, or a major life event.
Whether your Pivot is chosen or unexpected, there comes a moment when you realize that continuing exactly as you are isn't an option. Something has shifted, and moving forward will require an intentional change in direction.
I Love the Word "Pivot"
Growing up, I played a myriad of sports, including field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, so I'm a sucker for a good sports analogy.
In sports, a pivot literally means keeping one foot planted while turning your body in a new direction. Sometimes you Pivot because it's part of the planned play, while other times, you're forced to Pivot as a reaction to another player suddenly changing your path. Either way, you're responding to what's happening around you while staying grounded.
Life often feels the same; sometimes we choose to change direction, and sometimes life chooses for us.
When I was 22, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and given a year to live. I remember stepping outside by myself after hearing the news just to let it all sink in. My mind started racing like I was on a treadmill. There was no stopping the flood of thoughts or the realization that everything I had assumed about the future had suddenly changed.
This wasn’t something I chose; it’s not something anyone would choose, but life chose it for me.
My Dad’s diagnosis began one of the hardest seasons of my life because, at the time, I didn't realize how much was still within my control.
Looking back, there were more things I could influence than I recognized. Had I been more aware of them, I think I would have moved through that season differently—but that's a story for another day.
I did have choices. I chose how often I visited my dad and how often I picked up the phone just to call. I chose to honor his wish to keep his diagnosis close to home, with only our immediate family and a few close friends knowing so people wouldn't change how they treated him. I chose laughter over tears as we joked together in the hospital.
None of those choices changed his diagnosis, but they changed how I experienced that season of my life.
I wouldn’t have called it a Pivot back then as I was simply trying to get through each day. Looking back now, though, I can see that's exactly what it was. I couldn't control what had happened, but I could choose how I responded to it.
A Pivot Begins with Understanding
Every Pivot has practical implications: your routines, relationships, finances, career, or health. What is often overlooked is that every Pivot also has emotional implications. The way you think, feel, and respond to change influences the path you take just as much as the change itself.
Before you can move forward with intention, you first need to understand what is actually changing and how that change is affecting you. Once you have that clarity, it becomes much easier to identify what deserves your attention first instead of trying to solve everything at once.
Creating Quiet Rise has made me reflect on many of the Pivots I've experienced over the years. Looking back, I realize I never needed all the answers up front—I just needed enough clarity to confidently take the next step.
That's exactly why I created the Pivot Map Workbook.
It isn't about solving your entire transition overnight. It's about helping you understand your Pivot, explore what it means for your life, and identify your first Focus Area so you can move forward with clarity and intention.
Sometimes the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin.
If you're simply feeling like something is off but can't quite put your finger on why, start with the free What Feels Off? Worksheet. It's designed to help you slow down, reflect, and begin understanding what may be asking for your attention.
Clarity doesn't come from doing more.
It comes from understanding what actually needs to change.
A note on visuals
Some visuals are thoughtfully created using AI to reflect the ideas and experiences shared, rather than a specific moment.
Disclaimer
This content is based on personal experience and is intended for reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice.
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