Welcome to the 30th issue of Just One Pivot, where we explore the small shifts that make the biggest difference, right where it matters most. If someone forwarded this to you, you can subscribe here.

I’m happy you are here!

Today, I invite you to take this one slow. Settle into your favorite corner with your favorite drink. Let’s have a real chat.

First, a question:

Is this true?

A little birdie told me you’re ready for your next chapter.

Maybe that means stepping into new leadership. Maybe it’s a creative pursuit that won’t leave you alone. Or maybe you're simply feeling the quiet nudge that something is shifting.

Whatever the case, a pivot is likely in your future.

But as you may have heard me say before, every pivot begins in the six inches between your ears. Before anything changes on the outside, the shift starts in your mind.

And that’s a happy coincidence, because today I want to talk about two kinds of pivots, and why the preparation phase is mission-critical.

To show up on the other side not as a lucky break, but as someone who earned the moment, you need preparation.

Not all pivots are created equal.

Some are low-stakes experiments, no-risk detours with the potential for high insight.

Others are high-stakes cliff dives. They cost more, shake our courage, and may impact our livelihood, relationships, or sense of purpose.

PIVOT POINT

The difference between a reckless leap and a wise move comes down to one thing:

👉 Learning to find the signal in the noise.

The noise includes every voice clamoring for attention: your ego, your fears, the well-meaning advice from friends, family, experts, and social media. It’s loud, confusing, and often contradictory.

The signal is subtler. It's the data that aligns with your core values. It's what energizes you. It’s the recurring pattern that won't let go. It’s that thread of resonance you notice when you quiet the noise and listen to the truth.

THE SHIFT

A low-stakes pivot can start today with what what I call a tiny experiment, inspired by Le Cunff’s book by that name.

For example, last month, I pitched an article to a well-known publication. Silence. Crickets. So I pivoted. I opened a Medium account and published Stop Calling Them Soft Skills. No audience. No agenda. Just curiosity.

I risked nothing but my time. The upside? Insight. If the idea resonated, I’d keep going. If not, I’d pivot again. No drama. That’s the gift of a low-stakes pivot.

Now, a high-stakes pivot?

That’s different.

At the end of last year, I made one: I left a secure, well-paying university administrator role to step fully into my calling as a writer, researcher, and thought leader. This wasn’t a leap I took lightly.

So I approached it the way researchers approach uncertainty: as a study in progress.

I assessed the risks. I had honest conversations with those who would be impacted. I ran a series of small experiments: guest speaking, reconnecting with past consulting clients, publishing.

I also spent intentional time in prayer and sought spiritual direction to discern the deeper call beneath the dream and opportunity.

Along the way, I gathered both quantitative data—the numbers, financial outcomes, and sustainability indicators—and qualitative insight—the nuances beyond the numbers: feedback, joy, signs of impact, and alignment.

The goal? Find the signal in the noise.

Here are a few of the questions that guided me:

• Why now?

• What’s the cost of not pivoting?

• What’s the upside if I do?

• Am I pursuing purpose, or running from fear and exhaustion?

• Where’s the energy flowing, not just for me, but for others?

I’ll say it plainly:

Don’t make high stakes pivots because you’re bored or burned out.

Run tiny experiments instead.

And when stakes are high, pivot thoughtfully… because the signal is strong, the timing is right, and you’re clear on the why.

PIVOT CHALLENGE

Two weeks ago, I challenged you to run your own tiny experiments, low stakes pivots to test new directions.

This week, I’m inviting you to approach your next big decision like a scientist.

Before you leap:

✔ Quiet the noise
✔ Run a few experiments
✔ Track your data
✔ Name the real cost
✔ And don’t just trust the butterflies.

Trust the signal.

Think of yourself as an antenna—tuned in, alert, discerning.

Urgency is loud and demanding.

But wisdom? It speaks in a still, small voice.

And don’t forget…

Your story is data too. 

Every step you’ve taken, every pivot you’ve made, carries clues. If you haven’t already, revisit last week’s conversation (here). Building your Signature Story Portfolio might just unlock your next move.

Until next week,

P.S. In the News…

🚀 My Medium publishing experiment? It has gone viral! So I wrote a case study about it. You can use my friend link and read it for free here.

🗓️ Fall Calendar Now Open: I’m scheduling speaking and coaching engagements for the fall. I’d love to help support your or your team’s next move. Send me a note and let’s chat.

Note: Book recommendations include affiliate links, which may support this publication at no additional cost to you.