Pivoting: It’s Not Too Late, It’s Just Time

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📚 Read Time: 10 Minutes 

You hear it (or even say it) all the time:

“It’s too late for me.” 

“I missed my window.” 

“If I had started earlier…” 

Whether it’s in your career, your training, or your personal growth, those quiet doubts creep in. They make you question if a pivot is even allowed, as if change has an expiration date. 

At Tiger Resilience, we call BS. 

Because the truth is: pivots aren’t failures. They’re decisions. They’re moments when you choose to adjust your direction, not abandon your path. They often come right after a setback, or right before something better. 

Pivoting doesn’t mean you wasted time. It means you learned something worth changing for. 

This week, we’re unpacking the art and science of the pivot 

• Why your brain resists it  
• What it looks like in movement and in life  
• How to shift course without shame  
• And how to trust that your timing isn’t off, it’s exactly right   

Let’s break the “too late” myth once and for all. 

Let’s talk about what it really means to pivot, and why it might be the smartest move you ever make. 

What Is a Pivot? 

A pivot is a conscious change in direction, strategic decision to shift course in your life, career, or training when your current path no longer serves you. 

It’s not about starting over. It’s about realigning with what matters. 

We define pivoting as: 

• A deliberate redirection toward better alignment with your purpose, values, or goals.   
• A move built on your foundation, skills and experience don’t go to waste, they carry forward.   
• A meaningful identity shift, not just a surface change. It often signals deeper evolution.   

Pivoting is not: 

• ❌ An impulsive leap with no plan.  
• ❌ A minor tweak or quick fix, that’s adaptation.  
• ❌ A sign of failure, it’s a sign of self-awareness and growth.  

At its core, pivoting is the act of saying: 

“I’m ready to go in a new direction, with full intention and clarity.” 

Michael’s Perspective: 189 Days and a Different Life? 

I track a lot of things. Mileage, sleep, macros, training zones. But one of the most meaningful numbers I see every morning is this one: 189 days without alcohol. I use an app called Days Since that tracks how long it's been since I last did something. On there is one tile labeled “No Alcohol.” It’s the longest streak I’ve ever had. 

The last time I had a drink was December 15th of last year. A few glasses of champagne while celebrating my engagement, my fiancée’s birthday, and watching the Steelers get stomped by the Eagles here in Philly. That moment felt light. But what followed was the start of one of the biggest pivots I’ve made in my 32 years. 

I’ve written about this before. How I completed the 75 Hard challenge and abstained from drinking for months, the longest absence since high school. How I came back to it anyway. Not out of control, but out of habit. Still chasing some version of social release that never really helped me recover, cultivating in the same behaviors I demonstrated when drinking before. 

This time was different. I didn’t just take a break. I decided it didn’t fit anymore. It wasn’t helping me train, show up, or stay consistent. More importantly, it wasn’t helping me stay connected to the version of myself I’ve been working hard to build. 

I don’t share this to shame anyone who drinks. That’s not what this is about. For me, this pivot was about subtraction, and what it made space for. My sleep, recovery, and energy all improved. But more than that, my decisions sharpened. The mental clarity that came from cutting alcohol has reshaped how I approach everything from tempo runs, to hard conversations, and as I've stressed just being more present.  

And still, I want to say this. Part of what alcohol gives people, and part of what I’ve had to find differently now, is connection. There’s a reason so many people share drinks. It’s not always about the buzz. It’s about being together. Shared experience. Ritual. Relief. 

We’re living in a time where that kind of connection is getting harder to come by. In 1996, the average teenager hung out with friends about 2.5 times a week. In 2020, it dropped to 1.5. Between 2003 and 2020, young people spent 70% less time face-to-face with each other. And even though teen drinking is way down, that change might not be coming from healthier decisions. It might be coming from loneliness, something I certainly struggle with at times.  

We build trust, identity, and resilience through shared experience. Not scrolling. Not texting. But doing life together. The post-practice hang. The awkward bus ride. The random late-night conversations. That’s where bonds are made. 

When I gave up alcohol, I had to re-find those connections on different terms. Through movement, through deep conversations, through presence. And I’m still learning how. 

But I know this. Pivoting is not weakness. It’s not quitting. It’s not erasing who you used to be. It’s choosing to become someone you want to be around longer. 

December 16th. Steelers lost, champagne was poured, and this was my last drink. 188 days later, this jersey still fits, but the guy wearing it feels like he's changed.

Bernie’s Perspective: Don’t Leave Without the Lesson 

Let’s get real for a second. How many times have you caught yourself whispering, “It’s too late for me,” or “If only I’d started sooner…”? It’s like there’s some invisible expiration date on change, and if you miss it, that’s it. 

But pivots aren’t failures. They’re not panic buttons or last-ditch efforts. They’re decisions. They’re those moments when you realize something matters enough to shift, and you do. Sometimes they show up right after you’ve hit a wall. Other times, they’re the doorway to something even better than you imagined. 

So, let’s break the “too late” myth together. Because pivoting doesn’t mean you wasted your time. It means you’re wise enough to shift course. And trust me, your timing is exactly right. 

A Real Pivot, in Real Time 

Let me set the scene. It’s June 18th, 11:50 AM. I’m wrapping up my final chart as manager of a psychiatric hospital program, my last day in a role that’s been a huge part of my life. I’ve never been one for grand goodbyes or the spotlight. Humility, for me, isn’t just a value. It’s how I’ve survived. There are always so many others deserving of the accolades. 

My goal for the day? Get out quietly. No fuss, no parade. I’d already said my goodbyes to the folks who mattered most. I texted the COO to ask where to leave my keys and badge, figured I’d drop them off and walk out the same way I walked in. 

But as life would have it, while I was gathering the last of my things, he knocked on my door. “Bernie, there’s something important I need you to do before you leave.” 

Gullible me, I thought it was a last-minute favor. 

Instead, I walked into a surprise celebration, balloons, cake, pizza, my team waiting in the conference room. Turns out, sometimes the pivot is letting yourself be appreciated. Letting people say thank you. That’s a lesson I’m still learning. 

The Bigger Pivot 

But zoom out. This wasn’t just a job change. It was a pivot born from a clash of values, between a new corporate vision focused on the bottom line and my own belief that if you focus on outcomes for people, the income will follow. 

So I’m stepping into a new road. I’m joining a team led by someone I trust, recruited by someone who gets it. It’s a leap, sure. There’s always a mix of excitement and anxiety when you pivot, no matter how many times you’ve done it before. 

Here’s what I know: it’s never too late to pivot. The journey doesn’t stop. You just find yourself on a different road. Whether it’s your health, your relationships, your career, or launching something of your own, every pivot comes with its own set of challenges and its own consequences. You can decide right now to spend four extra hours a week at the gym. But every pivot demands a trade-off. 

For me, building Tiger Resilience with Mike means making choices that serve the bigger mission, not just my own routine. 

The Power of Tiny Pivots 

Looking back, my life is a map of pivots — some sharp turns, some gentle 1-degree shifts. My first online business, Serenity’s Journey, was all about holistic products. That was my first big pivot. The next? Launching Tiger Resilience. Every step, every change, pointed me toward my true north: ambition, integrity, purpose. 

And here’s the thing, a pivot doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes, it’s just a tiny course correction. A 1-degree shift that, over a thousand miles, takes you somewhere completely new. That’s the magic of the pivot. 

So, What’s Your Pivot? 

Let’s bring it back to you. What’s the pivot you’ve been daydreaming about, strategizing, or quietly wishing you had the guts to make? 

Is it a bold leap, or just a subtle shift in direction? 

Either way, it’s not too late. In fact, it might be exactly the right time. 

The tiger adapts. The phoenix rises. And you, yes, you, have permission to pivot. Not because you failed, but because you’re ready for what’s next. 

Caricature alert: This is me, mid-pivot, proof that even when life throws you a curveball, you can adapt with a grin (and maybe a slightly exaggerated jawline). Because the best pivots come with a sense of humor! 

🧠🩺 The Science of Pivoting: Brain and Body 

We like to think of pivoting as a mindset. But it’s also a full-body, full-brain experience. 

Here’s what’s happening under the hood when you change direction: 

🧠 Brain: Cognitive Flexibility = Pivot Power 

Pivoting activates your prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, goal-shifting, and suppressing old habits. 

This is called cognitive flexibility, your ability to stop, reassess, and choose a new route. 

It’s not fixed. It’s trainable. 

• Practicing mindfulness, journaling, or learning new skills improves cognitive flexibility.  
• Pivoting strengthens “adaptive networks” in the brain, the same ones linked to resilience.  
• The brain resists uncertainty, so pivots feel threatening at first. But once you engage executive function, fear gives way to strategy.  

🩺 Body: Stress, Signals & Somatic Cues 

Your body’s stress systems (cortisol, adrenaline) fire up when facing change, even if it’s good change. 

That resistance isn’t failure. It’s biology. 

But unmanaged stress hijacks clarity. 

• Chronic stress impairs decision-making and leads to emotional reactivity.
• Moderate, short bursts of stress (like those triggered during a pivot) can actually prime the body for growth, if followed by recovery.  
• Physical activity improves your brain’s pivot systems, exercise enhances neuroplasticity and reduces anxiety around change.  

Bottom line: Pivoting isn’t just mental, it’s biological. 

Support your body, regulate your stress, and your brain becomes more capable of bold decisions. 

📊 Major Stats: Pivoting, Identity & Change 

🔁 Career pivots are common 

The average person switches careers 5 to 7 times in their life. 

49% of U.S. workers say they’ve already made a major career change. 

🧠 Midlife change pays off 

In one large study, 90% of people who changed careers after age 40 called the move successful. 

72% said it made them feel like a new person. 

65% reported a drop in stress afterward. 

🚫 Fear delays action 

A UK survey found 27% of people feel panicked by change, and 22% stayed in jobs they disliked due to fear of the unknown. 

Over 80% later regretted not pivoting sooner. 

🏃‍♂️ Athletes pivot under pressure 

More than 50% of recreational runners experience injuries each year that require modifying or resetting their training. 

Among elite athletes recovering from major injuries like ACL tears, only about half return to their prior performance level. 

🌀 We underestimate future change 

The “End of History Illusion” shows most people believe they’ve already become who they’ll be, even though we continue to evolve. 

This bias can stop us from making meaningful pivots when we need them most. 

⚖️ Action beats regret 

In long-term studies on life choices, people who made bold pivots were less likely to feel regret than those who stayed in misaligned situations. 

Delaying change often leads to emotional erosion and missed growth. 

🛠️ The takeaway: 

Pivoting isn’t rare. It’s reality. Most people who make intentional shifts don’t just adapt, they thrive. 

🐅Tiger Resilience Lens: Pivot vs. Adapt

We’ve talked about adaptation before, bending under pressure, adjusting to new conditions. 

But a pivot is different. 

• Adaptation is staying on the same path, just navigating it differently. 
• Pivoting is changing the path altogether, stepping toward a new direction that fits you better. 

Both are resilient. But they come from different places, and they create different outcomes. 

Here’s how they compare: 

Adaptation is resilience through endurance. 

Pivoting is resilience through transformation. 

Ask yourself: 

Am I trying to make something work that no longer fits? 

Or am I ready to move in a new direction that does?

🏋️ Michael’s Training Corner: When It’s Time to Pivot 

Whether you’re coming off a setback, shifting goals, or your body just isn’t responding the way it used to, knowing when and how to pivot your training is essential. Too many people either hang on to a plan that’s not working or jump ship before it ever had a chance. Here’s how to think about both. 

🔹 Part 1: How Long Should You Run a Program Before Pivoting? 

You don’t need a new program every two weeks. 

But you also shouldn’t grind yourself into a plateau out of pride. 

Here’s how I guide it: 

⏳ Stick with a program for at least 8–12 weeks 

That’s about how long it takes to see real adaptation, whether it’s strength, hypertrophy, or aerobic conditioning. Bailing earlier than that usually means you haven’t given it time to work. 

📉 Know your signs of plateau 

• No progress for 3+ weeks  
• Recovery feels worse, not better  
• Motivation and sleep start tanking  

Progress doesn’t have to be linear, but it should be visible. If your lifts, paces, or energy haven’t moved in a month, it’s pivot time. 

📊 Data beats vibes 

Track key lifts, times, RPE, even sleep. Don’t rely on “I think I’m doing fine.” Your body leaves clues. If those clues point to stall-out or overstress, trust them. 

🎯 Match your program to your goal 

If your goal has changed, your plan should too. 

Training for aesthetics? Performance? Longevity? Recovery from burnout? 

Don’t force a powerlifting template if your nervous system is fried and you’re just trying to move again. 

⚠️ Red flags to pivot immediately 

• Chronic joint pain  
• Hormonal dips affecting things like libido, appetite, etc. 
• Can’t sustain effort past warm-up 

That’s not toughness. That’s overload. Pivot smart before your body forces it.  

🔹 Part 2: Regression Training & How to Pivot After Setback 

We all hit reset buttons, injury, burnout, time off. 

Here’s how to come back with strategy instead of ego. 

🧯 Start at 60–70% of your previous working weight or mileage 

That’s not a guess, it’s a proven threshold for avoiding re-injury while retraining motor patterns and tissue tolerance. 

📈 Apply the 10% Rule 

Weekly volume increases shouldn’t exceed 10%, whether it’s mileage, reps, or load. It’s conservative and a general guideline, but it can be effective. The goal with any training protocol is how we stay consistent and HEALTHY.  

🔍 Rebuild from the inside out 

• Emphasize form and control over PRs   
• Add prehab (hip stability, shoulder integrity, ankle mobility)   
• Prioritize movement quality before intensity   

🧠 Adjust your goals, not just your routine 

After injury or life changes, what you train for might shift, and that’s okay. 

Maybe you’re rebuilding for function, not max performance. 

Maybe your 10K goal becomes a mobility benchmark. 

Pivot the goal, not just the plan. 

🧬 Leverage muscle memory 

Your body hasn’t forgotten. Nuclei in your muscle fibers stick around. Skills come back. Strength returns faster the second time, but only if you build smart. 

🛑 Watch for relapse cues 

If you’re: 

• Skipping cooldowns  
• Rushing warm-ups  
• Reaching for old numbers out of frustration 

That’s ego, not progression. Reset your timeline. Respect the process. 

I (Michael) just finished Win the Inside Game by Steve Magness, and came away with some unique perspectives. It breaks down something I see constantly, people often stuck in Survival Mode, burning out, thinking the only way to succeed is to grind harder. I’ve been there. You probably have too. 

Magness lays out two paths. Only one actually holds up. 

Survival Mode 

• Fear and control  
• Play not to lose  
• Obsessed with outcomes  
• Everything feels high stakes  
• Burnout disguised as drive  

Mastery Mode 

• Curiosity and growth  
• Play to explore  
• Focused on progress  
• Resilient to failure  
• Anchored in process, not pressure  

One line that stuck with me: “Be a kid again.” 

That’s what Kobe Bryant told Giannis Antetokounmpo. When we're young, we're often in learning or mastery mode. Eager to ask questions and utilize our curiosity to explore.  

Magness backs it up, real performers are process-driven, not validation-chasing. They’re addicted to doing the work, not showing it off. 

If your current mindset feels tight, anxious, or tied to proving something, that’s Survival Mode talking. The pivot isn’t just in your training. It starts in your head, tap into that Mastery Mode.  

This book doesn’t preach. It gives language to the shift we’re all trying to make.  

📓 Journal Exercise: When the Pivot Is Calling 

You don’t pivot by accident. 

You pivot because something inside you knows it’s time. 

Use this space to check in with that part of yourself, the one that’s asking for a shift. 

✍️ Part 1: Reflection 

Set aside 10–15 minutes and answer honestly: 

• Where in your life are you feeling pulled in a new direction?  
• What have you been clinging to that no longer aligns with who you are or where you're going?  
• What fears come up when you imagine changing course?  
• What would it feel like to give yourself permission to pivot?  
• Who or what might you disappoint by pivoting, and who might you become if you did?  

⚙️ Part 2: Action 

Now take one step toward clarity: 

• Identify your signal: What’s the single clearest sign that a pivot is needed? Write it down.   
• Map your micro-move: What’s one small action you can take this week to test or explore the new path?   
• Challenge the fear: Write down the worst-case scenario you’re imagining, then write down what you’d actually do if it happened.   
• Name your why: What value or purpose is guiding this potential pivot? Say it out loud. Make it real. 

Want structured prompts like this every day? 

🛠️ Grab our self-esteem journal: 

Awaken the Tiger, Rise like the Phoenix — a guided companion built on the Five Pillars of Purpose, Planning, Practice, Perseverance, and Providence. 

🛒 Available now on Amazon: 

Awaken the Tiger, Rise like the Phoenix 

🔥 Final Thoughts: Pivoting and the Five Pillars

Pivoting isn’t quitting. It’s choosing. 

Choosing to realign with who you are, what matters now, and where you're being called to go next. 

It’s not about scrapping your past, it’s about honoring it by letting it fuel something better. 

Here’s how pivoting fits into the Five Pillars: 

Purpose 

A pivot starts when your inner compass says, “This isn’t it anymore.” That voice is purpose, guiding you back to alignment. 

Planning 

Pivots don’t stick without structure. The plan doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to exist. Even a rough map creates forward motion. 

Practice 

The shift is made in small reps, new habits, new thoughts, new decisions. The pivot isn’t just the moment you choose; it’s everything you do after. 

Perseverance 

There will be doubt. You’ll question if the old path would’ve been easier. But perseverance means trusting the direction, not just the speed. 

Providence 

At some point, you have to believe the timing is right. That growth takes trust. That the pivot might just be the doorway to your next breakthrough. 

If you're standing at the edge of change, here's your permission: 

You’re not behind. You’re just ready. 

Stay Resilient

Bernie & Michael

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📚 References

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Cuddy, A., & Gilbert, D. T. (2013). The end of history illusion: People underestimate how much they will change in the future. Science, 339(6115), 96. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1229294

Hagstrom, M., & Gibbs, M. (2023, February 14). There’s a science to how often you should change up your exercise routine. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/theres-a-science-to-how-often-you-should-change-up-your-exercise-routine-199406

Kakouris, N., Yener, N., & Fong, D. T. P. (2021). Running-related musculoskeletal injuries in recreational runners: A systematic review. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 10(5), 513–522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.12.001

Magness, S. (2023). Win the inside game: How to change your mindset, build resilience, and perform at your best. HarperOne. https://www.amazon.com/Win-Inside-Game-Mindset-Resilience/dp/0063271931

Mujika, I., & Padilla, S. (2000). Detraining: Loss of training-induced physiological and performance adaptations. Sports Medicine, 30(2), 79–87. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200030020-00002

Parker-Pope, T. (2014, February 25). Why so many of us don’t change our lives. The New York Times. https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/why-so-many-of-us-dont-change-our-lives/

Robinson, O. C., & Stell, A. J. (2015). The career change project: Exploring the experience of mid-career changers. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 91, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2015.08.009

Simmons, J. P., Nelson, L. D., & Galak, J. (2011). The effect of “presentism” on prediction of future preferences. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(5), 902–916. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024510

Tobias, L. (2023). Fear of change: Why we avoid it and how to embrace it. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freudian-sip/202301/fear-of-change-why-we-avoid-it-and-how-to-embrace-it

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Number of jobs, labor market experience, and earnings growth: Results from a national longitudinal survey. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/nlsoy.pdf