How to Pivot Like a Pro

I grew up an avid basketball fan. My walls were plastered with my favorite NBA star (I also had a slight crush on Allen Iverson..okay, a huge one). I remember the first season of the WNBA, yes I'm that many years old. I was so excited to get the Wilson orange and white basketball that Christmas. All of that said, I probably can tell you the amount of ball games I've watched in the past couple of years, on one hand. The game has changed tremendously and so has my love for it. That's why I was surprised at myself for tuning into the professional basketball contest on television tonight where the Celtics of Boston took on the Mavericks of Dallas. It was most exhilarating (Prince Akeem? Coming to America? Classic).

It probably was the channel guide stating this would likely be the game highlighting the return of Boston Celtics' star, Jayson Tatum after a nearly 300-day Achilles injury that led me to ESPN. I recently watched his interview on The Pivot. It may be the journalism major in me, but I am infatuated with learning people's stories. I promise I'm not nosey. There's just something about discovering a person's journey and their "why," especially if they're a good storyteller.

In this interview Jayson talks about his devastating career-shifting injury, how he went from Superman to feeling deflated, his closeness to his Mom, and his healing process. It was an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation as are most with former NFL players Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor. Their sit downs with athletes tend to be interesting because they can relate to their experiences as one-time pros themselves.

I had no clue how long ago the injury took place nor was I privy to Jayson's return date. But when the guide told me this game would mark his reunion with basketball, I tuned in. I wanted to witness Jayson beat the odds and get back on the court. From the interview, I knew how much he looked forward to this moment and I hoped that he'd have success. The Celtics went on to grab the victory with a 100-120 final score. Jayson played roughly 27 minutes scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 boards. Not too shabby considering a rocky start. It had to be scary running up and down the hardwood after tearing such a vital tissue.

I thought about how we make these elaborate plans, only for the unexpected to turn them upside down. Maybe you have a plan to save money but then a major, unavoidable expense comes up. Maybe you expected to be married with kids by 30 and here you are at 47 and where did the time go? Maybe you were up for a promotion, bought a new wardrobe and a personalized card holder only to find out it went to the kid who's worked for the company only six months.

A change of plans can knock us off our feet. But, just like the name of the podcast, you have to be able to pivot. Life is about rolling with the punches. As much as we prepare, prepare, and prepare some more, the chances that something out of our control will occur is inevitable. Making lemons out of lemonade is a special skill that has to be learned and nurtured, but it is necessary. Here are a few ways to put that pivot foot to good use so that you're never down for long.

How to Pivot Like a Pro:

1. Pause Before You Panic

   When plans fall apart, your first reaction might be frustration or stress. Take a moment to breathe and reset before making your next move. A clear mind makes better decisions.

2. Assess What Actually Changed

   Separate the facts from the emotions. What part of the plan shifted? What pieces are still workable? Sometimes the whole plan isn’t broken—just one part of it.

3. Adjust the Strategy, Not the Vision

   Your end goal doesn’t have to change just because the path did. Stay committed to the bigger vision while being flexible with the route you take to get there.

4. Focus on the Next Best Step

   You don’t need to solve everything at once. Just figure out the next productive move and take it. Momentum builds from small decisions.

5. Trust That Detours Can Be Opportunities

   Some of the best outcomes come from unexpected shifts. A pivot might feel like a setback, but it could actually be positioning you for something better.

When your plans fail you, it does not mean that you failed. You may have to adjust to make your life fit your new reality, but if you seek God, reframe your perception of the setback, and do the work, you can pivot out of any uncommon situation. Don't give up on you. You were built to shift.

-Renée