The Power of the Pivot: Why Starting Over Isn't Failure

Pivoting isn't abandoning who you were, it is about honoring who you're becoming or want to become. Most people think a pivot means you failed at your first path. Pivoting is a sign of clarity, courage, and self-awareness. It means you're willing to walk away from misalignment and walk toward purpose. I am currently on my fourth pivot. I went from a paralegal to compliance to IT Project management to currently pursuing a role in cyber (specifically eGRC). In cybersecurity, GRC and tech, the strongest professionals often come from non-traditional backgrounds. I recently started a podcast, Oh Hell No...Not My Data, where I have cyber professionals share their experience and the one thing they all have in common is the unique, untraditional way they ended up in this field. Teachers, paralegals, retail managers, nurses, military veterans all bring perspective, discipline, and emotional intelligence that can't be taught. If you are truly aligned with yourself you will know when it is time to pivot and the best thing about the pivot is the journey. There are so many people who have pivoted at various stages in their life only to find harmony and happiness on the other side of that pivot. The hardest part is taking the first step.

If you are feeling burnt out, restless and have a burning desire to pursue something else....it is probably time for you to start your pivot. Here are a few simple steps to help you get started:

• Think about where you are and write down where you would like to be
• Write this statement daily or weekly and fill in the blank with a task:
  "What is the single most important thing I have to do today to move my purpose forward."
• Connect with people who are doing what you want to be doing and talk to them about their journey

Remember your pivot is not a setback, it's a strategy. Don't be discouraged...be encouraged and know that time is passing anyway so don't worry about the time it will take to make the transition...enjoy the journey. It will make a great story some day.