Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here.

Have you ever started a project with the perfect plan in mind – like crystal-clear vision, all the supplies neatly lined up, the color-coded planner open, maybe even a motivational playlist in the background – and then… BAM. Something changes. You hit a wall. Something doesn’t go according to plan and suddenly you’re spiraling into that internal monologue of, “Great. Guess I’m just trash now.”

Yeah. Been there. I’ve got the desk sign for that breakdown.

But here’s what I want to dig into today: having to pivot doesn’t make you a failure. It doesn’t make you less capable, less worthy, or less valuable. What it actually means is that you’re learning. You’re adapting. And honestly? That’s kind of badass.

Growing up, I laminated everything. I mean everything. Projects. Posters. I would’ve laminated my social life if I could’ve figured out how. Why? Because I wanted it all to look perfect. Immaculate. Untouchable. Like the human version of a Pinterest board.

And what did that get me?

Mocked. Like, regularly. There was a running joke in school that if a project was laminated, it was obviously mine. “Oh look, it’s laminated! Must be Sarah’s.” Cue everyone laughing. I am currently slouching down as low as I possibly can at my desk.

Then I got to college – and suddenly it wasn’t about perfectly color-coded worksheets anymore. It was syllabi and rubrics and a big ol’ “figure it out.” Professors weren’t checking in every day or applauding your bullet points. They handed you a mountain of work and expected you to survive.

And I had to pivot. A lot. Which… was hell. Because I was still clinging to this belief that I had to get everything right the first time. If I needed to revise or redo something, it clearly meant I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t valuable.

Fast-forward to today – whether it’s a work project, something at home, or trying to make a simple meal plan that doesn’t include four hours of executive dysfunction – it still happens. That resistance to changing plans. That urge to fight the pivot.

But I’ve gotten better. Like, so much better at adjusting, adapting, and embracing the imperfections along the way. And today, we’re going to talk about how you can do that too.

Because the goal isn’t perfection – it’s forward motion.

First off – let’s have a real chat about imperfection. Because holy crap, do our brains love to panic the second things get messy.

We’ve all heard that whole “progress over perfection” line, right? And it’s great. Super tweetable (if that’s even still a thing?). But living it? That’s a whole other ball game.

Especially if you’re neurodivergent, which let’s be honest – if you’re listening to this, you probably are. Our brains are kind of wired to hyper-focus on doing things “right.” Not just for other people’s praise, but for our own self-worth. Like, if I don’t get it exactly right the first time, what even is the point?

Plot twist: that “perfect” plan we get so attached to? It was never actually perfect. It was a best guess. A first draft. A hypothesis. And when new info shows up – whether it’s a rabbit hole detour, a tech hiccup, or our energy crashing because we forgot to eat breakfast (again) – that’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign it’s time to pivot. To tweak the hypothesis a bit.

You’re not wrecking the project. You’re improving it. You’re learning. You’re evolving.

Let’s give that messy middle some credit, okay?

Before you throw everything in the trash and declare it “officially a giant disaster,” I want you to pause. Take a breath. Zoom out.

Instead of looking at everything from deep in the trenches, back up a bit and take stock. What have you already done? What’s gone well? Even if you’ve hit a snag now, that doesn’t erase the fact that you started. That you’ve made progress. Even if it’s just a few steps, those steps matter.

Then – gently – look at the parts that didn’t go so well. Where did the train start to wobble? No judgment. Just curiosity.

Progress is still progress, even when it’s wrapped in duct tape and weird metaphors.

Now that we’ve taken a nonjudgmental peek at what’s worked and what hasn’t, let’s shine a light on those pesky obstacles.

Maybe it was a system that didn’t quite click. Maybe your executive function took a nap mid-task. Maybe a life thing happened – sick kid, work explosion, existential dread spiral after reading the news. Been there – way more often than I’d like to admit.

But whatever it was – let’s name it. Call attention to it. Don’t let it hid in the trees or attack you like the Killer Rabbit from Holy Grail. Just, acknowledge it.

And then? Brainstorm. What could you try instead? If the original strategy didn’t work, what might? Don’t worry if the ideas feel weird or silly. Hell, if you have the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, chuck it at that damn rabbit…I mean, obstacle. This is experimentation, not a court trial. The weirder you get, the better, in my humble opinion.

Alright, now we’re in adapt and adjust territory – aka the choose your own adventure part of the process.

Take those brainstormed ideas and narrow them down. Pick one or two that feel the most doable or exciting or even mildly tolerable. That counts.

Then, treat it like a science experiment. Make a hypothesis: “If I try this method, it might help me finish the project without melting down.” Cool. What steps do you need to take just to get started? What supplies do you need? Who do you need to warn that you’re about to try something new and potentially weird? Do those things – without getting too mired into the details. Make a simple plan to get started, and then go from there.

Test it. Try it. See what happens.

And if it doesn’t work? You didn’t fail – you just gathered more data. Again – learning.

And if you’re feeling stuck? You do not have to do this alone.

Seriously.

You can reach out. To a friend, an accountability buddy, a coach (hi!), or even your dog if they’re particularly good at listening and giving semi-non-judgmental stares (I have huskies…their stares are almost always judgmental). Sometimes just saying out loud what you’re struggling with helps your brain process it better.

Find someone who gets it. Join a coworking space, message a weirdo internet friend, pop into our community on Mondays – whatever support looks like for you, let yourself ask for it.

Because I promise, your brain doesn’t need to do this solo on hard mode. And you? You are absolutely not the only one pivoting mid-project.

We’re all out here trying to adjust our blueprints with chewed-up crayons and sheer force of will.

So, here’s what I want you to do today:

Think about one project or goal you’re currently working on – could be big or tiny. Something personal or professional or even just a system you’re trying to create. Then ask yourself: What’s one small adjustment I could make today that might help me stay motivated and keep going?

Just one.

And if you want to share it, I’d love to hear about it. Pop over to Instagram, send me a message, or join our Monday coworking crew and tell us what you’re working on and where you’re pivoting.

Remember – you’re not a failure for changing course. You’re not broken because the first plan didn’t work. You’re a brilliant, evolving human who’s learning how to work with your brain – not against it.

And that? Is badass.

*Some links on this page may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you purchase anything from those links, I would make a small commission. There’s no additional cost to you when you purchase, it just contributes to the building of my home library 😉

Read all of my blog posts about organizing.