Embracing the Pivot
How do we know when it’s time to change direction? Life’s most transformative moments often hinge on this question, requiring a single step into a new direction—a pivot. In its simplest form, a pivot is the act of shifting course while remaining rooted on an axis, balancing what we hold onto with the courage to embrace the unknown. But in life, it can become something more profound: the ability to recognize when the path we’re on no longer serves us—whether practically or existentially—to confront that realization with courage, and to chart a new course aligned with our evolving aspirations. It is a balancing act, a moment of reckoning that calls for adaptability and intention. Pivoting manifests in many ways: an artist reinvents their style, a scientist ventures into uncharted research, or an entrepreneur shifts their business model to meet the demands of a changing market.
Pivoting is the act of stepping into a void, abandoning the comfort of the known for the uncertainty of what could be. Yet, within this uncertainty lies the seed of growth—an act of becoming that can lead us toward our fullest potential.
Philosophically, pivoting exists at the intersection of practical necessity and the free will of choice, existing in a dynamic tension that reveals the human capacity for adaptability in the face of changing circumstances. Reflecting on this concept recently, I revisited some of the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche—a philosopher whose ideas and struggles continue to illuminate the complexities of growth, adversity, and the pursuit of “self-overcoming”.
Nietzsche, the late 19th century Prussian philosopher—one of history’s most provocative thinkers—offers a compelling perspective through which to understand the essence of pivoting. At the heart of his philosophy lies the concept of ‘becoming’—the belief that life is a continual process of transformation, driven by the pursuit of higher states of existence. His vision of the Übermensch (Overman) epitomizes an individual who transcends societal conventions and personal limitations, embracing uncertainty and change as catalysts for growth.
In his Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche’s Zarathustra implores, “You must become who you are.” This call to self-realization underscores the necessity of pivoting: to grow, we must shed outdated versions of ourselves and step courageously into the unknown.
Yet Nietzsche’s own life reveals the immense difficulty of this process—a poignant reminder that transformation is as arduous as it is essential. Plagued by mental health struggles and chronic illness, Nietzsche’s life was marked by challenges that demanded both resilience and adaptation. Nietzsche’s later years were shadowed by isolation and decline. While this could be seen as an unsuccessful pivot, it certainly deserves sympathy and admiration. Nietzsche exemplifies the human spirit’s capacity to wrest meaning and insight from even the darkest corners of existence.
The Power of Pivoting
By contrast, yet within the same era, Marie Curie’s life stands as a remarkable testament to the transformative potential of pivoting. Born in Warsaw in 1867, Curie grew up in a society that placed significant barriers on women’s education and professional advancement. Undeterred, she moved to Paris to study physics and mathematics at the Sorbonne, immersing herself in a world of scientific discovery. Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity earned her two Nobel Prizes—in Physics and Chemistry—making her the first person to achieve such a feat.
Curie’s journey was anything but linear. She faced numerous personal and professional hurdles, including the early loss of her husband, Pierre Curie, who had been both her partner in life and in research. Despite this devastating blow, she pivoted, continuing their work and even expanding into new areas of study. Her ability to navigate multiple disciplines with grace and determination is a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
What makes Curie’s story so compelling is not just her scientific achievements but also her relentless commitment to growth in the face of adversity. She exemplifies the idea that pivoting is not about abandoning one’s goals but about evolving to meet them in new and innovative ways. Her life reminds us that transformation often requires stepping into the unknown with unwavering resolve.
From an artistic point of view Miles Davis’s life and career stand as a testament to the transformative power of pivoting. Born in 1926 in Alton, Illinois, Davis rose to prominence as a trumpeter in the bebop era, performing alongside legends like Charlie Parker. Yet, Davis was never content to remain within the boundaries of a single style. He constantly reinvented himself, shaping the evolution of jazz with each bold pivot. From the introspective cool jazz of Birth of the Cool to the modal jazz masterpiece Kind of Blue, Davis repeatedly challenged conventions and redefined the genre.
His most daring pivot came in 1970 with the release of Bitches Brew, an album that shattered traditional jazz structures and introduced the world to jazz fusion. Combining electric instruments, rock-inspired rhythms, and improvisational freedom, Bitches Brew was a genre-defining work that alienated some purists while attracting a new audience. The album’s sprawling, experimental soundscapes embodied Davis’s unrelenting drive to push boundaries, solidifying his legacy as one of music’s greatest innovators.
Davis’s fearless approach to change is mirrored in the journeys of other artists who redefined themselves and their art. David Bowie’s continual reinvention, Joni Mitchell’s shift from folk to jazz, and Pablo Picasso’s evolution across artistic styles all echo this pioneering spirit. Similarly, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Bob Dylan have pivoted boldly, proving that transformation is often the key to longevity and creative brilliance.
Mythical Symbols of Pivoting
The phoenix, a mythical bird revered across cultures, embodies the essence of pivoting through its cycles of death and rebirth. In ancient Egyptian mythology, the phoenix was associated with the sun, symbolizing renewal and immortality. The Greeks adopted the myth, portraying the phoenix as a radiant bird that lived for centuries before igniting itself in flames and emerging anew from its ashes. This archetype of transformation resonates deeply with the human experience, representing the ability to rise from the ashes of failure, burnout, or loss, renewed and ready to face the future.
Another powerful myth of transformation is that of Persephone, the Greek goddess whose story reflects cycles of descent and renewal. Abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld, Persephone’s time in darkness is not permanent. Her annual return to the surface, bringing spring and fertility back to the earth, symbolizes the process of emerging from hardship with renewed purpose. Persephone’s journey mirrors the experience of pivoting: stepping into the unknown, enduring its challenges, and eventually returning transformed and full of potential.
In Norse mythology, the story of Odin’s self-sacrifice on Yggdrasil, the World Tree, also reflects the pivot concept. To gain wisdom, Odin hung himself from a tree for nine nights, teetering on the edge of life and death. This act of deliberate suffering and transformation granted him knowledge of the runes and the mysteries of the universe. Odin’s story reminds us that growth often requires sacrifice—letting go of old patterns to embrace new possibilities.
Across cultures, these myths share a common thread: transformation is rarely easy, but it is deeply rewarding. They teach us that pivoting is an act of courage. It demands we leave behind what no longer serves us and trust that the journey, though painful, will lead to renewal. They remind us that growth often necessitates stepping into uncertainty and embracing the fires of change. Pivoting is an act of becoming—our personal mythology of resilience and transformation.
To Pivot is Personal
In my own life, the concept of pivoting has been a companion in both artistry and entrepreneurship. Early in my career, after almost a decade in the music industry; making records and touring in a band, I found myself at a crossroads. Burnt out and creatively stagnant, I realized I needed to reinvent myself. This led me to explore multimedia design, which opened new avenues for creative expression and professional growth.
In more recent years, the creation and launch of the Digital Designer Designation marked one of the most significant pivots in my career. Recognizing a need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary education in the digital design space, I embarked on a journey to develop a program that would empower others to navigate their own transformations. Like the phoenix, this endeavor required me to let go of old habits and embrace the uncertainty of building something entirely new.
Marie Curie, the phoenix, Nietzsche, and Miles Davis each illuminate different facets of pivoting. From Curie, we learn the value of persistence and interdisciplinary exploration, overcoming barriers and reinventing oneself to achieve extraordinary breakthroughs. From the phoenix, we find hope in renewal and the courage to rise from the ashes of adversity, trusting in the transformative power of change. From Nietzsche, we gain a philosophical framework for embracing transformation, even in the face of challenges, reminding us that self-overcoming is both arduous and essential. And from Miles Davis, we see how bold reinvention and a refusal to stagnate can redefine an entire art form. Together, these figures illustrate and teach us that pivoting is not merely a survival skill but an act of becoming—one that pushes us toward our fullest potential.
Pivoting is the fine cusp where struggle meets growth, the threshold that separates who we were from who we are becoming. It is not merely a change in direction but a courageous act of self-discovery—a leap across the gradient path of inner growth.
When we dare to pivot, we step into the unknown with trust in the process and faith in our ability to transform. Whether you are a designer, an artist, or simply a seeker on life’s journey: every pivot holds the potential for profound renewal.