P51: You Don’t Need More Confidence to Act

A year ago, Just One Pivot began as a simple experiment: could one small shift spark meaningful change?

Fifty issues and more than 150 coaching and mentoring sessions later, the data is in: those who make the most progress, and gain the most confidence, consistently do three things:

• Make quick decisions

• Take action

• Stay accountable

That’s the inspiration behind Season Two of Just One Pivot, which starts now!

Welcome to a New Format

The focus now is action, tiny shifts that create confidence and accelerate momentum. And because momentum needs reinforcement, you’ll also get a short, 1-minute Thursday spark to help you finish your week strong.

Same five minutes weekly—just sharper, simpler, and designed to help you gain momentum where it matters most.

Why It Works (According to Neuroscience)

• When you pick: Deciding triggers a burst of dopamine, the brain’s confidence chemical, strengthening the neural pathways that help you trust yourself and make future choices more easily.

• When you move: Action fuels motivation. Each step you take (sending the email, having the conversation, taking the risk) reinforces the very circuits that drive confidence and momentum.

• When you report back: Accountability activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine when goals are met and reinforcing those productive habits.

In short, picking, moving, and reporting don’t just change your behavior; they rewire your brain for confidence and consistent action.

Let’s go!

1: Pick One.

Each week, you’ll find a short menu of field-tested pivots to choose from. Choose your one action, no matter how small, that will keep you moving forward.

Let’s go!

Option 1: Collect 10 Failures as Fast as You can

Imagine if, growing up, you were rewarded not every time you succeeded but every time you failed. That’s the story of self-made billionaire and Spanx founder Sara Blakely. Most of us weren’t so fortunate to get that kind of training, but it’s never too late.

Here’s how simple it can be: Every no is a failure, and thus a win for this game!

• Need to raise funds or find new clients? Email ten potential supporters and ask for a ten-minute call.

• Job hunting? Reach out to ten people who have the role you want and ask for a short informational chat.

Fun fact: you might get enough yeses that you’ll have to keep going just to collect your ten fails.

Option 2: Say “No” Five Times

Remember that every time you say “yes,” you’re saying “no” to something that matters.

Try this:

• Decline meetings where you’re not a critical contributor.

• Say simply “No.” — “It’s not going to work.” No explanations required. No guilt necessary.

Option 3: Delegate Three Things this Week

Delegation is about creating space for higher-value work and trusting others to grow.

Try this:

• Hand off one task that drains your energy but builds someone else’s.

• Ask a team member to create a first draft before you step in.

• Let someone else own a small win—and celebrate it.

You’ll be surprised how much energy returns when you lead through trust instead of control.

2: Move One.

3: Report Back.

Think of me, and your community, as accountability partners and cheerleaders. Plus, sharing your breakthrough helps others grow, an act of generosity that always multiplies back to you.

Are you ready?

And this Thursday, look for your 1-Minute Pivot Spark, a short burst of inspiration to help you finish the week strong.

Time to stop reading and start moving.

Let’s end 2025 with unstoppable momentum.

Until Thursday,

P.S. In case you missed it, my new article is out “Beware the Arrogance Trap”