A New Future, A New Story: 10 Tips to Help You Articulate Your Midlife Pivot
When embarking on a new path, it can feel messy and hard to explain to others. But often, we need the support and encouragement of our partners and other important people in our spheres in order to make progress toward our transformation. Learning to talk about the changes we are making, even in the midst of the messiness, is essential.
Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling narrative around the big changes you are making in your life:
- Clarify Your Vision:
Before sharing your plans with others, take the time to clarify your vision and goals. Reflect on the reasons behind your transformation and the outcomes you hope to achieve. When you have a clear understanding of your journey, it becomes easier to communicate it to others with passion and certainty. When you are passionate and clear yourself, others will be more likely to be excited for you and compelled to be a part of your journey.
- Craft Your Story:
Developing a compelling narrative that conveys your goals concisely and engagingly is fundamental, not only for communicating the change to others around you but also to maintaining your own focus. Start by considering the story of your past, including the experiences and lessons that have led you to where you are now. Then, the new vision you have created for your future and how your pivot aligns with your passions, values, and aspirations. See if you can craft a simple “elevator statement” that explains these points in conversational language.
- Highlight the Why:
When sharing your pivot aspirations with others, emphasize the reasons behind your decision. Communicate the underlying personal growth opportunities or desired impact that drives your quest for transformation. Explaining the "why" behind your pivot helps others understand your motivation, commitment, and passion.
- Be Authentic and Genuine:
Share your pivot story authentically and genuinely. Be true to yourself, expressing your emotions, challenges, and triumphs along the way. Genuine storytelling allows others to connect with your journey on a deeper level, fostering empathy and support.
- Tailor Your Message:
Adapt your pivot story to the audience you're addressing. Consider their interests, values, and needs, and shape your narrative accordingly. Highlight aspects of your transformation that resonate with them, demonstrating how your pivot can benefit them, the broader community, or even the world!
- Practice Active Listening:
While sharing your pivot story, practice active listening to understand the perspectives and concerns of others. Hear their questions, feedback, and suggestions with self compassion and with curiosity. Engaging in active listening builds rapport, opens up opportunities for collaboration and support, and also helps you to consider your own choices with respect for their impact on others. This, in turn, helps to make those choices sustainable by assuring that they will garner the earnest support of others important to your continued progress.
- Embody and Communicate Your Value:
You have arrived at this place in your life, on the doorstep of transformation and of finally realizing your dearest dreams, for real, legitimate, valuable reasons. Knowing this at your core, and embodying it as you share your story, will help to convey to others that the changes you are making in your life are in your best interest, have been carefully thought-through, and will ultimately result in a more satisfied and fulfilled version of you. that your midlife pivot will be mutually beneficial—as when you are happier in your own life and in your own skin, your relationships will also benefit..
- Share Success Stories:
Share stories of small wins, milestones, or successes you've achieved during your journey. Highlight the positive outcomes and their impact on your life, the lives of others, or your community. Success stories add credibility and inspire others to support and engage with you.
- Seek Feedback and Refine As You Go:
Don't be afraid to seek support and feedback from trusted individuals. Share your pivot story with mentors, friends, or family members, and ask for their honest input. Their insights can help you refine your narrative, address any concerns, and strengthen your communication.
Practice sharing your pivot story in different settings and with various audiences. Refine your message based on the reactions you receive. Continual practice will enhance your confidence, clarity, and ability to effectively articulate your pivot to others.