To Pivot or Not to Pivot?
A Life Check-In Worksheet
Image Credit: HBO
Whether you’re debating a job switch, rethinking a relationship, or questioning where you live, this worksheet will help you figure out if it’s time for a change or just time for a new perspective. Grab a pen (or your Notes app), and let’s get into it.
Step 1: Gut Check—How Are You Really Feeling?
For each area of life, rate your current satisfaction on a scale from 1 (completely unfulfilled) to 5 (thriving and fulfilled).
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Step 2: Is It a Bad Day, a Bad Season, or a Sign to Pivot?
Answer the following:
How long have I been feeling this way?
A few days = Maybe just a funk. Ride it out.
A few months = Time to investigate further.
A year or more = Something needs to change.
What’s the real issue? (Be honest!)
Am I bored, burnt out, or uninspired?
Do I feel stuck or undervalued?
Is something external making me unhappy (e.g., bad boss, financial stress, lack of support)?
Have I tried improving the situation before deciding to leave?
Yes = You’ve done the work. A pivot might be the move.
No = What’s one thing I could try first before making a big change?
Step 3: The Fear Factor—What’s Holding You Back?
Sometimes, we stay stuck not because we should, but because we’re scared. Identify your biggest fears about making a change:
Fear of failure
Fear of judgment from others
Fear of financial instability
Fear of the unknown
Fear of making the wrong choice
Other: __________________________
Now, flip the script: What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best that could happen? Write it down.
Step 4: The Green Flags & Red Flags of Pivoting
Use this checklist to assess whether it’s time to pivot or stay put.
✅ Signs It Might Be Time to Pivot:
You feel drained, uninspired, or undervalued.
You’ve outgrown your current situation.
Staying feels like settling.
Your values and priorities have shifted.
You’re excited about new possibilities (even if they’re scary!).
🚩 Signs It Might Be Time to Stay (or Make Small Tweaks Instead):
You’re still learning and growing where you are.
The issue is temporary (seasonal burnout, a rough patch, etc.).
You’re acting out of FOMO or external pressure.
You haven’t explored ways to make your current situation better.
Step 5: Your Next Move
Based on your answers, which of these feels right?
Stay and improve my current situation (Action step: _______________)
Make a small shift instead of a full pivot (e.g., new role, better boundaries, deeper communication)
Start preparing for a bigger change (Action step: _______________)
Full pivot—time to leap! (First step: _______________)
Final Thought: Trust Yourself
No one has all the answers, but your gut, logic, and patterns tell a story. If a pivot is necessary, know that you are capable and adaptable. If you need to stay put, that’s okay too. The key is making a decision that aligns with you—not just external expectations. Now go make your next move with confidence!