Pivoting

Yesterday was a day I had to pivot – more times than I could have anticipated. 

I was scheduled to meet a friend at 9:30 for breakfast. Thirty minutes before we were to meet, she called me and said the restaurant did not open until later in the morning. We came up with a plan B and off I went. We arrived to the second restaurant only to discover there was no available seating. Pivoting to plan C. Thankfully, the third choice had one table left and we had a delicious breakfast and great conversation.

Later in the day I was on my way to the store to pick up a few things for my mother-in-law who just got out of rehab. I arrived only to discover they were closed. The bad storm the evening before had wiped out their electricity. I changed direction and drove to another store a few miles away. I could hardly believe they were closed also – again no power from the storm. I pivoted once again and drove to yet another store and was able to get the items she requested. 

I haven’t always handled hurdles like this well. Being able to adapt and adjust when obstacles arise and things don’t go as planned is a skill I’m still learning. 

Pivoting means the goal doesn’t change when the obstacles arise, it is about finding another path to the desired outcome.  And doing that without losing my cool. I know when I am able to pivot with ease, like I did yesterday, I celebrate that as a small victory.