It is interesting that the term “change” carries the burden of fear and anxiety. In reality, stagnation may do more harm. So when you contemplate a change in your life, either personally or professionally, think of it as a pivotal moment where you are positioned at a central point in time and turning toward something better. This collection of life hacks offers ideas to get to that better place.
When it is time to change your life, the following are common personal and career life hacks to pack for your self-help journey:
1. Adjust Your Mindset
From the time you were old enough to be verbal, adults have posed the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” So it makes sense that you would grow up with the mindset that you need to make a decision and stick with it. This thinking sets the stage for resistance to change. Many of us work hard to maintain stability when our efforts would be put to better use by learning to adapt and even embrace change since that is the true constant in life. Build a tool kit of self-help techniques to improve your readiness to pivot when you need to.
2. Get Things Done
Whether the change in your life takes the form of switching careers, writing a novel, or managing a home or office renovation, efficient life hacks enable you to focus on what is imminent. As suggested by David Allen in his self-help book, established a “Tickler” system. This is an organizational tool utilizing a daily calendar, with files set up for each day of the week and organizing daily tasks to manage your workflow. There are several ways to accomplish this, so find a method that works for you. One approach is to set aside time every evening to make a list of everything you need to accomplish the next day. Break down daunting tasks into smaller ones. Filter and prioritize each task, taking into account the estimated time of completion.
Leverage today’s technology to utilize a system-based repository, such as an Outlook to-do list or calendar. This avoids the need to remember details and due dates. When the system takes over your memory, it frees your mind to focus on whatever you need to do right now. If you get nothing accomplished each day except your top one to three priorities, pat yourself on the back because you have succeeded in diverting away from lesser important activities.
2. Get Organized
For some people, pivoting is less about a career or relationship change and more about harnessing energy and feeling in control. Inbox zero is a self-help life hack for establishing and maintaining a level of organization to mitigate the sense of feeling overwhelmed. This is where all messages have either been addressed and saved in a sub-folder, moved out as a follow-up task, deleted, or marked as spam never to darken your inbox again. This approach reduces procrastination and provides peace of mind that important emails have not been missed and that no one is fuming because you haven’t responded to an urgent matter. As a word of caution, though, this practice can become addictive. Some people get so consumed by this exercise that they neglect doing their work in favor of organizing it.
3. Recognizing When it is Time to Pivot
Somehow, we instinctively know when it is time for a change. A beacon of light may shine through the darkness of a life-changing event. You may hear a quote that resonates with you or have an epiphany, evoked by the words of an influencer. If your career progression has stymied, or you realize it has veered off track, this may be a signal to explore other opportunities. Any number of actions can prompt this realization. If you are delegated responsibilities out of sync with your goals, have a sense that your skills are devalued in the company or marketplace, experience the telltale signs of burnout, or simply feel bored, it may be time to pivot.
Listen to your body. If you are putting in too many hours or working normal hours with each hour feeling like a hundred, it could wreak havoc on your well-being. Discontent will often flow through to your personal relationships. Career and private matters may converge or overlap. When the homeostasis of your body becomes unstable, the human body has the miraculous capacity to raise red flags. Respect these messages, examine your life, and recognize it is time for a change. Whatever triggered your decision to pivot, take the time to think it through. To assure yourself it is not an impulsive move based on pure emotion, formulate a plan. Set goals, and reach out for support.
Life Hacks for Pivoting
1. Goal Setting
Reassess your career objective, and check if you are on track. Do you have the attributes to move in a linear direction, cross over into another industry or migrate to a lateral position? If there are any gaps in your knowledge or skills, set a goal to identify and enroll in relevant classes. If your current or targeted role lends itself to a certification, do some research to learn how to become certified.
2. Leverage Your Network
Many people have credited their professional network for their success. Set a goal to build and nurture your network, not only to take your career to the next level but also to share your expertise and to be present in the groups you find relevant. This should not come across as self-serving. Participate in the groups you join, and make constructive comments on member posts.
What a Successful Pivot Looks Like
1. Growth
Defining growth is personal. A pivot can lead to great career growth. Other times, it can simply bring you to a better place in your life. In an article about Jenny Blake’s book, “Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One,” one of the tenets stated is that “changes are usually for the best.” When Blake conducted interviews for her book, she did not encounter one person who said the pivot resulted in making their life worse. Some people were more positive, saying that those changes were for the best and worked out eventually. For some people, that is growth.
2. Mentoring Programs
Once you have met your goals, consider joining a mentoring program. Research high schools and colleges that offer mentoring opportunities. Many of these institutions greatly appreciate partnering with the professional community to provide students with guidance on corporate life and other employment scenarios. Volunteering as a mentor allows those entering the workforce to benefit from your learnings.
Be Ready For A Pivot
Through many tragedies, maybe we can find a teachable moment, which is to always be ready to pivot in response to events that manifest in unimaginable ways. With the power of creativity, innovation, resilience, and tenacity, human beings continue to reinvent themselves and guide others toward solutions, helping people help themselves.
Marcus’ Closing Questions to Ask Yourself
- Have you had to pivot your life?
- How can you successfully pivot your life to achieve your goals?
Article Credit: https://www.marcuslemonis.com/life-skills/change-your-life
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