North Dakota Without the Frigid Cold – The Pivot

Saturday is finally here, and I wanted to take a few moments to comment on "My Pivot."

As you can see by the included picture, I have a few acres with a cattle operation surrounding my place. The donkey in the picture came with the property, has no name, and protects my neighbors' cattle.?

My girls, Roxy and Desi Lu enjoy harassing the donkey, and the donkey does the same to them, so it is a great relationship and provides some viewing pleasure and laughter.

A little more than a year ago, we started looking for a piece of land since an Amazon DC was opening in our town. After many bid wars, we were able to negotiate a deal in Verona, Missouri.

The land is open prairie which can be challenging to find in this area, much like what you would find around Jamestown, North Dakota. Unluckily, there are only about 3 inches of soil until you hit rock heaven, but that is a different topic of discussion.

The great thing about where we live is that it reminds me of home (North Dakota) without the bitter, frigid, extended winter months and 2 feet of snow.

In mid-2021, it became apparent that I would need to pivot due to changes impacting my career, although I loved the people I worked with and would miss them.?

It was unclear if I had a long-term future unless I wanted to do something I did not enjoy, but I decided to move forward doing what I may not enjoy while positioning myself for a pivot into what I enjoy.

In late 2021, after I validated my concerns, I started my pivot but needed to understand who I was and what I wanted to do after being in the workforce for over 40 years. I have no intention of slowing down in the near or long term, so this was a crucial pivot for me.

I have pivoted on many occasions during my career while in the military and corporate world. I have expertise in being a technician, an installer, an instructor, a curriculum developer, a supply chain manager, an operations manager, a business development manager, and the list goes on.?

During the first half of 2022, I dabbled in many areas of potential interest to determine if I wanted to pivot into these areas while performing some consulting, coaching, and interviewing selectively.?

Some of these areas I have dabbled in were expensive, but no matter what, I have added more tools to my toolbox, so a win, win,

My dream jobs as a younger version of myself included:

• Managing a Radio Shack, which went out of business.
• Pressure washing dumpsters, but I am allergic to wasps and similar insects.
• Detailing vehicles and performing preventive type maintenance but flexibility is an issue.

My areas of interest in my current version of myself included:

• Coaching, consulting, and speaking for individuals, corporations, or spiritual/non-profit organizations.
• Operations, business development, sales, management, and supply chain/logistics opportunities at companies or organizations with a solid business plan require start-up expertise.
• Metal art and photography to enhance the offerings of my bride's craft business.

So, after increasing my self-awareness and performing a much-needed reset in 2022, I am continuing with my pivot by concentrating my efforts where I can do the most good in the shortest amount of time. I also know that I will continue to grow in all areas of interest in my current version of myself.

The key points that I have reaffirmed in 2022 include:

• Learn something new every day
• Continue to work towards all goals
• I can do anything?
• I have it all?
• Be Me?
• Be Authentic?

What long-term challenges or pivots are you dealing with, and would you like to share them?

Have a great weekend, and be safe out there.

J

#authentic?#engagement?#empowerment?#empathy #pivot #career