When Nothing’s Working… Pivot

What do you do when, no matter how hard you try and put in the work, it just doesn’t work? Whatever that “it” is for you... Or when something you’ve dedicated your life to no longer feels quite right? What should we do then? Keep trying because that's what all the business coaches tell us to do, or is there a better solution?

It’s a snowy, sunny (and frosty!) Friday in Munich, and these are the questions going through my mind. I’ve been receiving some messages on my socials saying that things this year haven’t been going well, to say the least. Believe me, this year hasn’t been the easiest for me either, but more on that in December, closer to 2025. Today, we’re focusing on solutions.

I’m not going to beat around the bush and say the word that describes the solution perfectly: PIVOT.

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It’s not about abandoning what’s working or what’s not, it’s not about quitting. It’s not about forcing yourself to keep doing what you, let’s boldly say, hate. It’s about using the foundation you’ve developed and building something new.

This brings me to the first crucial insight I got during my visit to New York at a powerful business event. It said: “Quitting feels good and requires no energy at all. But this feeling is temporary.”

Followed by another insight you’ve probably heard: “Life is either hard now and easier later, OR easier now and harder later.”

And finally: “You’re under no obligation to be the person you were 5 minutes ago.”

The last two quotes are from my favorite podcast, Mindset Mentor.

Take some time to let those insights sink in. If needed, pause and reflect (if you were watching my video tutorials, I’d probably say, “Pause the video, I’ll be here when you’re ready.” :D Same with this newsletter!)
In the meantime, let me share a practical set of insights I’ve gained from my mentors, and from my own experience, when things aren’t going as planned (to say the least).

1️⃣ When things aren’t working, it’s easy to get tunnel vision.

Take a step back and ask: Is this really the hill I want to climb right now? Sometimes, we’re so deep in our thoughts that we forget why we started in the first place. Schedule an hour - or even a day - to reflect on your big vision, your goals, values, and dreams. Journaling or taking a long walk can work wonders here - yes, even when it’s freezing cold outside, as it currently is in Munich.

Often, the answer isn’t about working harder, but understanding where your energy is best spent.

2️⃣ Micro Pivots!

We don’t abandon the foundation we’ve worked hard to build, what made us who we are! Also, pivots don’t always mean burning everything down and starting from scratch. It’s about applying the insights from Step 1, where we zoomed out on your current situation. Look for small, manageable changes that allow you to work toward your new or adjusted direction, while still using the foundation you’ve built.

Practical examples:

•  If your work isn’t going well, can you tweak your offer, target a new audience, or even improve your messaging?
•  If a personal goal feels off, ask yourself if the process needs to change instead of the goal itself. Oh, that brings me to another powerful insight from New York: We don’t change our goals - we change the road to get there.
  
  

3️⃣ Ask yourself why you started this journey and go back to your roots.

This will help you shift your focus from challenges back to the origin of your big vision. If that spark feels gone, ask yourself: What would make this fun and inspiring again?

4️⃣ Don’t go through this alone!

If I didn’t have my mentors, I would have given up at least 100 times. The right mentor will help you step out of your tunnel vision, remind you of your strengths, your why, your achievements, your dedication - along with offering fresh solutions and ideas for your situation. BELIEVE ME. 

This year, I’ve invested heavily in my personal development, and it has helped create a completely new version of Anna - one who doesn’t give up, doesn't disappear for months when things aren’t working, leaves her comfort zone, speaks to herself lovingly, and sees solutions instead of ways to escape.

5️⃣ For God’s sake, take a break!

Believe me, you need it! Not a break that lasts a year, but a small break - whether it’s going for a swim, hike, walk, or simply reading that book you’ve been wanting to read for over a year. Step away from the pressure and allow yourself to recharge. A well-timed rest can give you the clarity you need to pivot or move forward.

A reminder, also for myself: Resting isn’t quitting - it’s part of the process. Give yourself the grace to pause and trust that the answers will come when you’re not forcing them.

Remember, no one has it all figured out, and you don’t have to either. Don’t be hard on yourself. See every day as an opportunity to grow, learn, and simply enjoy life!

Warmest,
Anna at @andshedrawsbig