PLAN AHEAD BUT PREPARE TO PIVOT
Few can argue the importance of perseverance in our lives. Determination to succeed, unwavering focus on a goal, and a steadfast commitment to forge on despite difficulties, failure, or opposition are worthy character traits. Yet there is a point where the needle goes too far, and you may find that sticking to the plan is no longer effective. In comes “The Pivot.”
Pivoting is the art of recognizing that the direction in which you’ve invested significant time and energy is no longer the correct path to follow. This action, like we see in a basketball game, of stepping with one foot while keeping the other foot firmly in place, is essential in the game of life as well. A pivot allows us to stay rooted in what we’ve learned so far while making a fundamental course correction in order to successfully achieve our goal.
The pivot requires great introspection, moxie, and resolve. Sometimes we resist the pivot because we are afraid that our friends and family will think we’ve wavered, quit, or failed. However, we need to be willing to accept that our original plan, albeit sound when we embarked upon it, is no longer working. Modifying the plan while staying focused on the destination also forces us to learn and grow. So along with grit and determination, let’s add flexibility to the list of attributes we want to foster in our kids.
I’ve always been far better at perseverance than pivoting. I’m a firm believer in being firm in my beliefs, and I’ve always thought that if I just worked harder I’d get to the positive end result. Yet, I’ve always taught my kids, now 25, 26 and 28 years old, to plan ahead, but always be prepared to alter their course. Perseverance is admirable, I tell them, but being immovable is not. I advise them to be strong, confident, and steadfast, but to reassess and reevaluate regularly.
This year, I am resolved to take a dose of my own medicine and embrace “The Pivot” in my own life. And, I am optimistic about what that change of course will mean to me personally and professionally.
I want to thank my dear friend Tom Schuur for being not just one of my most treasured and trusted friends (and an honorary Uncle to my kids since they were toddlers), but also a business mentor who gave me the courage in 2021 to alter the print version of Good Life Family into a completely digital publication which gave us a larger wingspan to impact audiences far outside of the DFW metroplex. (Full Disclosure: I still miss turning the glossy pages of those magazines!)
And, now, I am thrilled about our fresh start and exciting rebrand into Good Life 24/7.
A big reason the magazine has been and will be able to maintain its consistently innovative content is because of my amazing team, many of whom have been around since the beginning. Almost 11 years later, I remember so fondly gathering for those early morning team meetings (over breakfast of course because a hot cup of Joe and an omelet bar feeds the soul and our creativity!).
At our core – then and now –are our Chief Experience Officer Michael Tinglin, Managing Editor Tricia White, Creative Director/Designer Beth Donahue and Chief Copy Editor Audra Glidewell, as well as a number of writers (that generate human not AI content) who joined the team on day one.
Our readers can continue to enjoy the articles they’ve always loved on health, travel, home and garden, entertainment, relationships, finances and so much more, but for the articles on kids and parenting, Good Life 24/7 is looking ahead as their readers grow. Originally focused on parents of “tweens to twenties,” the team recognized that the ‘kids’ in their 20s are now having their own kids, so readers are often now grandparents and young parents looking for wisdom.
It is not just parents either, because Good Life 24/7 recognizes that there is a VILLAGE, including teachers, aunts, uncles, friends, mentors, coaches, physicians, etc. that impact kids as they grow up.
Good Life has really been looking ahead all along. The digital platform has reached more readers across the United States, and being more cost-efficient has allowed the magazine to remain free to subscribers. With Good Life 24/7, readers can opt to become patrons of the magazine with a one-time or monthly donation to ensure the publication can continue to provide its valuable content free of charge. Support and Sponsor us here >
Looking ahead, I am excited to see all the ways that Good Life 24/7 can grow. I want MORE. More social media presence, a podcast, more partners, more readers in more places. The magazine’s message is universal, and in a world of angst, she wants the publication to be the voice of good. Ultimately, being a voice for good news and information is why we are committed to publishing our important and eye-opening content. I want us all to keep talking. Keep leaning in. Keep sharing stories of inspiration, encouragement, and redemption.
We hope your life – your story – is full and rich and good. And we hope that in some way, we can help make it better.
LIVE. LEARN. LAUGH. (PIVOT!). REPEAT.
Sheryl
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