Time to Pivot: Finding Your Purpose at Any Stage of Life
A question I sometimes offer to clients is, “What did you want to be when you were 10?” The conversation usually leads to reviewing goals and aspirations that were achieved and are yet to be achieved. The point of the question is to reconnect with the feeling of imagining the future. Designing the future is a mindset we can access at any stage of life to refresh or redirect purpose. During a panel discussion hosted by ALLRise DC and ALLRise SF on pivoting to your next career move, my fellow panelists and I offered some tips about how to successfully navigate a pivot to a new role.
Imagine the life you want to create. Ten years from now, where are you living? Who is with you? How does your day begin? What are you most proud of? These questions begin to draw you into your future. Imagining the future puts the present into perspective and gives you space to think about the possibilities.
Embrace experimentation. What have you always wanted to do but didn’t have the time, resources, or life circumstances to try? Is there a way to try the role by rotating to a new position, volunteering, or teaching? Perhaps interviewing someone in the role you desire will give you a sense of what it entails. Thinking in terms of “what if” can help you find ways to think outside your lane without making the full jump.
Share your goals with others. “Why didn’t you tell me? I had the perfect job for you.” As one panelist shared, she was reticent about sharing her goal to shift to another industry and missed a great opportunity due to her silence. Most people enjoy connecting others to resources and people that can help. Use your trusted colleagues and friends to help you make the pivot. They can provide valuable connections and perspectives.
Take small steps toward the goal. Making important life shifts requires reflection and adjustment. Think about a few small steps that you can begin to take to make the shift. Consider a certification or master class that deepens your knowledge of a new topic. Begin to make plans to put resources in place to support your shift.
Working with a coach in a supportive environment can help you clarify your direction to make the pivot you are yearning for successfully.
connect with anna
Coaching is a transformative experience, and Anna works to help any leader, at any stage, uncover their innate wisdom. Through your own reflection and intentions for this year, are you ready to reconnect with your purpose and power? Book a time for a free discovery call with Anna to learn more.
about anna & executive horizons
Anna Alvarez Boyd, is the founder of Executive Horizons LLC, a consulting and leadership coaching business. Anna brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted senior leader to her clients. Her coaching starts with the belief that every individual is talented, creative and whole. She supports clients to deeper self-discovery, through a unique, tailored approach for each person that includes skill building, reflective practices and leadership development.