Years ago, Mark and I took dancing lessons (AKA: couples counseling).

We thought we were really getting the hang of it until the third class, when the instructor announced we were switching partners.

We realized we hadn’t really excelled as much as we had learned to anticipate each other’s moves. To be a real dancer, you had to learn to follow another’s lead or to be able to lead another. Imagine my confusion when my new partner was significantly taller than me. I became instantly less graceful. What happens when what was once comfortable and familiar is no longer an option?

I read a while back that “to pivot” is to keep the goal and change the approach. Switching dance partners means you still learn to dance, just not in a way you had anticipated.

Where are you frustrated that things are not going the way they once were? How do you find a new way to reach your goals?

The loss of familiarity is real and often necessary. It is never too late to renew your commitment to your goals and explore new avenues to get you there. But it requires time and a willingness to let go of the familiar.

Keep the goal, make the pivot, find a new dance partner, create a new familiar.

Mary