What strategic pivots in life have shaped you into the person you are today?
A strategic pivot in life is a major change in direction that you make in response to new opportunities or challenges. It can be a change in your career, your relationships, your lifestyle, or any other aspect of your life. Strategic pivots can be scary, but they can also be incredibly rewarding
Here are some examples of strategic pivots in life:
A person who is unhappy in their job might decide to go back to school and get a different degree.
A person who is struggling to make ends meet might decide to start their own business.
A person who is feeling lost in their life might decide to travel the world and experience new cultures.
These are just a few examples, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to strategic pivots. The most important thing is to be open to change and to be willing to take risks. If you're willing to put in the work, strategic pivots can lead to great things.
If I can reflect on the past decade of my career and my life, here are the strategic pivots that I made:
Chase relationships that will benefit you: How I landed my first career job
How did I do it: I was mid way into my last semester of my undergrad and I didn't have a job lined up. I had a few internships that proved that I didn't want to work in marketing or work as a nanny. I found that my school had a mentorship program and made sure to connect regularly with the director of the program. While in a 2nd meeting with her to discuss potential opportunities, the CEO of my future company was walking in the hallway. Was it chance? 100%. He was a CEO of a biotech manufacturing company and I wanted to get into Supply Chain. If you are from Ventura County, it wasn't Amgen but it was a company that was a start. His son, who was the Supply Chain Ops Manager was a one man show. He was also leaving for his honeymoon 3 weeks after my first day. Trial by fire mixed with getting catapulted off of a birds nest after hatching.
What did I learn: Make connections and network in every way possible. In a coffee line, talk to the people around you. Work as a bartender or wait staff at a restaurant and inquire about what people do, how they got there and what advice can they offer.
Be okay with failure to follow your dreams: How I moved to Colorado after quitting my job
How did I do it: I grew up in a small town where I needed to get out. I had just been dumped after a 5 year relationship and I honestly, couldn't get away from him or his family. Not like they were stalking me but everywhere it reminded me of our relationship. I started exploring a few options of where I could move to, my top picks were Austin, Denver and Seattle. Denver was my favorite, I had just paid off my car and I decided I was going to move there. Every application that I saw said "Must live in Denver to apply", so I wrote a cover letter that said I was moving to Denver on July 7th, 2017. While in Denver, I also met two guys who lived locally and I put one of their addresses on my resume. While on a business trip for my current company, I had a layover in Denver. The day before I left to go home, I got my first call for an interview and I told them that I would be in town and could meet in person. I received an offer the next day.
What did I learn: Have a goal and just go for it. I had no debt and about $50k in savings. Denver was cheap, at the time. I could find a room to rent for $600/month and my car was paid off. I needed to leave California and I went for it.
Invest in real estate: How I purchased my first home when I made $60k a year
How did I do it:
Keep connections close: How I landed my first leadership role
Body
Identify three or four strategic pivots that have had a significant impact on your life.
For each pivot, explain what it was, why you made it, and how it has shaped you as a person.
Discuss the challenges and lessons you learned from each pivot.
Explain how each pivot has helped you to become the person you are today.
Conclusion
Summarize the key points of your blog post.
Offer advice to others who are considering making a strategic pivot in their own lives.
Encourage readers to share their own stories about strategic pivots they have made.