How to Pivot When Plans Fall Apart
No matter how carefully we plan, life has a way of throwing curveballs. We map out our future, set goals, and build toward something meaningful—only to have everything shift in an instant. Whether it’s losing a loved one, facing unexpected business challenges, or simply realizing that the path we were on no longer serves us, we all experience moments where we have to pivot.
I’ve had my share of these moments. Most recently, the loss of my dear friend Rasheena reshaped the way I see grief, purpose, and resilience. Then, on a completely different level, losing over a decade’s worth of blog posts due to a website hack forced me to rebuild from the ground up. These experiences, though vastly different, taught me the same lesson: when plans fall apart, you don’t stop—you shift.
We’re taught to push through challenges, but sometimes, pushing forward in the same direction isn’t the answer. Pivoting isn’t about giving up; it’s about adapting, growing, and realigning with what makes the most sense in the moment.
Life forces us to pivot in many ways:
- Losing someone you love teaches you to find new ways to carry them with you.
- Business failures teach you to innovate and try new approaches.
- Unexpected life changes remind you that flexibility is just as important as ambition.
How to Pivot When Things Fall Apart
1. Acknowledge the Shift
The first step in any pivot is recognizing that things have changed. It’s okay to grieve what was—whether it’s a person, a plan, or a dream you had to let go of. Give yourself permission to feel the disappointment, the sadness, or even the frustration. Ignoring it won’t make it easier.
2. Reassess Your Priorities
When things don’t go as planned, it’s an opportunity to step back and ask: What actually matters most right now? Sometimes, a setback is a way of redirecting you toward something even more meaningful.
For me, losing Rasheena reminded me of the importance of presence—of truly showing up for the people and projects that align with my purpose. It made me reevaluate where I invest my energy and how I move forward.
3. Embrace Flexibility
A rigid mindset makes change feel impossible. Instead of clinging to what was, be open to what could be. Ask yourself:
- What’s still within my control?
- How can I use this setback to grow?
- What opportunities exist in this new reality?
4. Find Small Wins
After a big setback, motivation can feel nonexistent. Instead of focusing on the overwhelming picture, find one small thing you can do to move forward. It could be sending an email, writing in a journal, or even just getting out of bed that day. Small wins create momentum.
5. Lean on Your Support System
You don’t have to navigate pivots alone. Talk to people who understand—whether it’s friends, family, or a community that supports you. When I lost my original blog content, reconnecting with my audience helped me remember why I started in the first place. When I lost Rasheena, talking about her, honoring her, and sharing pieces of her impact helped me process the grief.
6. Redefine Success
Maybe success isn’t about following the exact plan you set years ago. Maybe it’s about showing up, adapting, and continuing to build even when things don’t go as expected. The strongest people aren’t the ones who never face setbacks—they’re the ones who learn how to move through them.
Pivoting isn’t easy. Whether it’s grief, business struggles, or unexpected life changes, letting go of what we planned takes courage. But within that shift, there’s also possibility—the chance to rebuild, realign, and rediscover what truly matters.
If you’re facing a moment where everything feels uncertain, know this: You are not stuck. You are being rerouted. The path may look different, but that doesn’t mean it won’t lead you exactly where you need to be.
