We hear about pivots in the start up community constantly. Loosely defined a pivot is when a company changes directions to chase a different opportunity. I think it is a bit of a silly idea since all the smart start up folks I know are CONSTANtLY pivoting. Perhaps a better analogy would be the startup tango… lots and lots of pivots.
But here is the question I would like to discuss today. What about the personal pivot? For the sake of discussion we’ll loosely define that as an individual changing directions to go after a different opportunity.
THE PERSONAL STORY
The beginning of 2011 I had a great plan to launch a cool company in90 days. 60 days in, I quit. A project that had been on the side lines got some serious traction and suddenly a company that I had left for dead was my full time startup.
That process got me thinking about the personal pivot. It took me a long time to decide that I wanted stop working for the man every night and day and take out on my own. Since then, I have been quick to perform the personal pivot. Very quick. Was it simply that I had freed myself from the matrix and could now see the strings that control the system or have I developed a kind of adult onset professional A.D.D.? In the bigger picture, is their wisdom in staying put and executing on a plan even when your gut tells you you should pivot towards the next big thing or is it that
THE CASE FOR TORTOISE
Some of the most successful people I know in life have a simple approach… you need to show up. Their approach is simple. Those that show up … . on time are much more likely to get ahead. If you work hard, you have separated yourself from 90%+ of the population. If you possess some talent or are skilled at what you do, you are more than likely in the top 5% of the population.
It is exceptionally hard to argue with this logic.
THE CASE FOR THE HARE
Since it is too hard to argue against the logic of the Tortoise Approach, I won’t. My argument therefore will not include any logic. (Normal for me.)
Who wants to be a fucking Tortoise? Sure he won … that once. I bet they race again and the Hare smokes him. Besides the hare is cuddly and has kick ass hearing. I bet he can dunk.
There is a point here. I belong to a group of people that believe that they should not hate their fucking jobs. I know this is revolutionary and should not be spoken out loud lest Big Brother come and haul me away to some work re-education camp. I have undoubtedly, learned more and accomplished more in the three years as a hare than the 15 trying the tortoise approach.
A CONCLUSION (Sort of)
A Tortoise, by its very nature will, will continue on a strait path. The problem is, I think most people have no idea where their personal finish line is. In that case the Hare, who sprints, stops, turns around, zig zags, naps, smells flowers, eats some carrots, and can’t stay on a strait path ultimately wins. He is the one that covers the most ground and who knows he may stumble on a better finish line along the way.
I”ll be available for all 8th grade motivational speeches.
