How to Set Goals When You’re in a Life Pivot
When you’re in a life pivot, traditional goal setting can feel off.
You might sit down to plan your next steps and realize:
The things you used to care about don’t excite you anymore
You feel pressure to set goals that no longer fit who you’re becoming
You don’t know what you want yet — only that something needs to change
If you're here, you’re not unmotivated. You're evolving.
This article will help you rethink what goal setting looks like during a life pivot — so you can move forward without forcing clarity that isn’t ready yet.
Why Old Goal Setting Models Don’t Work in a Pivot
Most goal setting advice assumes you know what you want and where you're going.
But during a pivot, you often don’t.
You're in between identities, in between chapters. You may be grieving old dreams, questioning your path, or simply out of sync with the goals you used to chase.
Trying to force clarity too soon can:
Create anxiety
Lead you toward misaligned outcomes
Pull you away from your natural timing
What you need isn’t a 5-year plan. You need permission to evolve while still feeling supported.
A Different Way to Set Goals in a Life Pivot
Here’s how to set supportive, soft structure in your life when you’re not sure what’s next.
1. Set a Direction, Not a Destination
Instead of: “I want to be here by next year”
Try: “I want to move toward more freedom/creativity/stability.”
Let your goals be based on feelings or values, not outcomes.
Ask: What am I craving more of in my day-to-day life?
2. Focus on Energy Goals, Not Just Action Goals
Traditional goals are task-based: do X by Y date.
During a pivot, try focusing on how you want to feel.
"I want to feel energized by my work."
"I want to feel calm in my mornings."
"I want to feel proud of how I’m showing up."
This shifts your system into alignment before action.
3. Use 30-Day Experiments Instead of Long-Term Plans
A pivot season is a time to explore, not commit prematurely.
Try setting 30-day experiments:
What happens if I show up on Instagram once a week?
What if I give myself permission to rest without guilt?
What if I say no to everything that drains me?
You don’t need to choose forever. You just need to choose next.
4. Create Micro-Milestones That Feel Encouraging
Break your intentions down into moments that are achievable and affirming.
Instead of:
“Launch my business this year”
Try:“Have one conversation with someone who inspires me”
“Write a draft outline for my offer”
These micro-milestones rebuild momentum without pressure.
5. Make Space for Adjustments
Your pivot season will evolve. So should your goals.
Build in monthly or biweekly check-ins:
What still feels aligned?
What am I resisting, and why?
What feels energizing vs. draining?
Permission to adjust is key to staying connected to your goals.
When Goal Setting Feels Triggering or Overwhelming
Sometimes goal setting triggers:
Comparison
Perfectionism
Old standards of productivity
If that’s you, start even smaller:
Set a goal to check in with your feelings each day
Set a goal to leave your phone in another room once a week
Set a goal to allow not knowing to be okay for now
You don’t need a clear outcome to be in motion. You just need to be in relationship with yourself.
Final Thoughts
Goal setting doesn’t have to be rigid. In a pivot, the most aligned goals are flexible, feeling-based, and revisited often.
You’re allowed to:
Change your mind
Take your time
Evolve your vision
What matters most isn’t that you "crush your goals" — it’s that your goals reflect who you actually are now.
That’s real success.
Want Support Setting Aligned Goals?
The Pivot Blueprint is a personalised tool that helps you:
Understand your natural direction
Reconnect with what matters most
Set grounded, meaningful goals for where you are now