P2: The Pivot Dilemma: to Grow or Not to Grow

Welcome to the second issue of Just One Pivot, a newsletter by me, Maria "happy you’re here” Keckler. It’s the 5-minute version of the podcast by the same name. If someone shared it with you, you can subscribe here.

Happy Friday!

If you haven’t listened to the Episode 2, stop. Grab your favorite drink or walking sneakers and listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. Come on. I’ll be right here. It’s only 12 minutes long and contains four stories to drive the following takeaways home.

You can also listen here.

Ready? Let’s go!

As you turn the page to the next chapter of your journey, like the fern at the beginning of the episode, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads, facing a pivotal choice in at least one area of your life.

Episode #2 Takeaways

• Growth is a choice. Pivoting to growth will always require stepping outside of your comfort zone. Not choosing growth is choosing to remain small.

• Only you know when it’s time to grow. From the outside, it may appear that you have arrived or have it all together.

• Resistance (capital R) is the enemy of all creative activity. Intentional growth is intensely creative work.

Asking the right questions is the first step to pivot toward growth.

Growth Reflection Questions

1. What areas of my personal or professional life feel as if I’m stuck, dissatisfied, unappreciated, or disengaged?

2. What aspects of my life feel stagnant or unfulfilling?

3. What fears or doubts keep me from pursuing a step I’ve wanted to take?

4. What activities or tasks do I find myself avoiding, and why?

5. When was the last time I felt genuinely excited or passionate about something personally or professionally?

6. Are there any recurring patterns or themes where I feel stuck or dissatisfied?

Winning the Battle Over Resistance

1. Acknowledge and Name Your Resistance: Recognize the forms of resistance you face, whether fear, self-doubt, or external criticism. Naming it can help you confront it more effectively.

2. The battle is won one pivot at a time: Large goals or plans can be paralyzing and fuel resistance. Start with one pivot. Instead of “I want to write a book,” pivot to “I’m going to write one paragraph.”

3. Battles are won in community: Even one kindred spirit on a similar journey as yours can make all the difference. Resistance says, “You’re okay as you are. You don’t really need anyone.” The call to grow says, “Get your team ready, and let’s do this.”

Science Snapshot: Resistance

Resistance is connected to the amygdala, the part of your brain often called our “reptilian or lizard brain.” It is responsible for your fight-or-flight response because it keeps you safe and alive. If you are walking down a dark street, it comes in very handy. It alerts you of danger and keeps you safe.

Your lizard brain fails you when it sees challenges and opportunities for growth as dangerous. When you want to leap and grow, your amygdala powers Resistance to protect you from the boogeyman—disappointment, failure, embarrassment. Resistance is your brain’s protective mechanism but can also be a bully.

To keep you safe, it will hand you a long list of excuses, busy work, and even grandiose projects that stroke your ego. Its voice is the chatter in your brain, whispering: “Who do you think you are? You failed once, you sure don’t want to do it again.”

You will always face Resistance as long as you stay on the growth path. What can you do? Understand it, acknowledge it, and talk back to it as the boss that you are:

Reference Article: For a deeper dive into the reptilian brain, check out this article.

Your Turn

It’s time to return to our original question: “What’s my next best move?” Except that this time, the question is:

If you found this week’s podcast episode and newsletter valuable, I’d appreciate you sharing them with others.

Be courageous. Keep growing.

P.S. In the podcast, I reference my book, Bridge Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want. Check it out, and learn from Daniel Reed’s growth journey and fierce battle against Resistance.