When I studied jazz and Latin dance the pivot turn was one of my favorite moves. I found it to be fun, flirty, and the perfect opportunity for me to show off my stage presence and personality during my performing arts career as a young adult. We’ve been hearing the word pivot used frequently over the last year in relation to the quick changes people have been forced to make in their businesses and lives as a result of the pandemic. Now that some things are slightly more certain, we have the opportunity to plan for the pivots that we want to make as we move into the second half of the year. As we reflect to plan for what’s next, we can apply some of the concepts related to a pivot turn to the adjustments we will make on our personal or professional paths forward. Find Your Center. When you do a pivot turn, one of your feet stays on the ground while you push off of the other foot to change directions. Think of that grounded foot as a center point that is representative of your core values. As we change directions, we want to stay rooted and grounded in these principles that embody what we stand for and who we are at our core. This may mean pivoting away from a project or partnership that seemed like a good idea at the time, but we now realize that it is not in alignment with our personal or professional values. How will you remember to return to your center? Face What’s Forward. When doing pivot turns on a stage, there will be times where you are facing your audience and there will be points when your back is to them. The part of the pivot where you are facing forward is symbolic of your engagement in your present circumstances and future endeavors. These might include facing your greatest fears, having courageous conversations, pitching yourself or your business to potential employers or funders, or any of the other ways you offer yourself to the world. What is it time for you to face? Back Your Beliefs. In the performing arts, it’s rare that dancers, musicians or actors have their backs to the audience. Trumpeter, bandleader, and composer Miles Davis has been criticized for this very reason. Jazz enthusiasts assumed this to be a sign of disrespect toward his fans. After reading the memoir of his long-time on-again, off-again partner, actress Cicely Tyson, I learned that he did this because he wanted to be able to hear the band better. Similarly, there may be some decisions you have to make for your greater good that others won’t understand. They may want you to turn in a different direction. Perhaps we wouldn’t have gotten such beautiful music from Miles had he not decided to turn in his own direction, even if it meant having his back to us. Like Miles, what you decide to do will not only be best for you, but it may enhance everyone else’s experience as well. This week I challenge you to take a look back at the goals or vision boards that you created at the end of last year or the beginning of this year and consider the following questions as you plan for your pivot. What’s working? What’s challenging? What do you want to celebrate? What will you release with love? Where will you pivot? Manifestation Affirmations I am grounded and centered in my core values as I plan for my pivot. I am backed and boosted by my belief in my ability to make decisions that are best for me. I am facing my past and present to enhance and improve my future.
Master Your Mindset to Manifest a Life You Love. Most Sincerely, Monica Marie Jones Your Soul Journey Guide
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