---
title: The 5-Step Pivoting Guide to Stay (or Get) Flexible
description: made pivoting something that everyone got good at. For some people, though, pivoting was a foreign concept. It remains a fatiguing and frustrating process
---

[Blog | Brainzooming ](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog)

# [The 5-Step Pivoting Guide to Stay (or Get) Flexible](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/the-5-step-pivoting-guide-to-stay-or-get-flexible)

 Written by [Mike Brown](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/author/mike-brown) | Mar 3, 2023 12:36:26 PM

You’d have [thought that the pandemic would have made pivoting something that everyone got really good at doing](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/7-ideas-to-recharge-your-creativity-now), both professionally and personally.

For some people, though, pivoting was a foreign concept before Covid. No matter how necessary it was (and is), it remains a fatiguing and frustrating process for them.

If that’s you, don’t worry, Brainzooming has your back!

## 5 Steps to Pivot Strategically

Here’s a five-step *Pivot - Pivot - Pivot Routine *to help you navigate unexpected twists and turns that you still face with ease and grace.

**1. Figure Out Your Vital Roles**

First things first: *identify your vital roles and responsibilities*. Who are you in business? In your personal life? Are you a superhero parent or a CEO extraordinaire? Your vital roles provide a through line through any pivots you make. Knowing your most important roles and responsibilities will make it easier to pivot strategically when the time comes to make changes.

**2. Spell Out What You Are Trying to Achieve**

Next, *define [what you're trying to achieve](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/brainzoomingtm-first-questions/779)*[. Asking and answering this granddaddy of all strategic thinking questions](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/brainzoomingtm-first-questions/779) provides valuable focus. It’s the primary goal that's going to help you navigate through the pivot. It’s your compass to keep you on track.

**3. Pick the Right Perfect**

We all know perfectionism can be the enemy of innovation and progress, especially when you are having to pivot rapidly. It’s critical to [identify what needs to be *perfect* and what can be *good enough*](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/strategic-thinking-what-kind-of-perfection-are-you-looking-for/18740). Don't let the pursuit of perfection slow you from pivoting quickly and successfully.

**4. Develop Multiple Options**

****

[Developing and keeping your options open is tremendously helpful when it comes to pivoting](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/creating-strategic-impact-8-ways-to-start-now-and-quit-waiting/23471). You want enough good choices to be able to keep moving and adapting in a timely fashion. Quickly assess your situation and actively solicit input from others with relevant perspectives as you [consider all the possibilities](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/cultivating-many-ideas-with-potential/665). And remember: be comfortable with figuring things out in the moment and relying on your strategic instincts.

**5. Concentrate on Priorities**

As you begin pivoting, stay focused on the [critical priorities you’ve identified](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/how-to-prioritize-strategic-initiatives-quickly/211635). [Create checklists](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/checklists-helping-visualize-the-uncertain-when-plans-fall-through/656) to make sure you're addressing everything that’s important. As you flex, remember to consider varying scenarios and their implications.

## **Pivoting Your Way to Better Results**

Pivoting doesn't have to be scary, even if it does drain you.

Use these five-steps to plan your pivot as best possible and navigate your way through it. Just remember to [stay flexible](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/5-keys-to-a-flexible-strategic-planning-process/28253), [embrace the unexpected](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/strategic-planning-4-steps-to-plan-for-unplanned-events/23692), and always keep learning and improving.

Who knows, maybe you'll even learn to love the thrill of the pivot! – *[Mike Brown](https://www.brainzooming.com/who-we-are/#MikeBrownBio)*

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