A pivot is not about changing direction for the sake of it. A pivot is about making an informed, intentional move that positions you for growth. In order to make that pivot, you need to pause. 

If you don’t take the time to assess where you are, how do you know if you are headed in the right direction? I have been using the Retrospective Exercise to gain traction in my own business and it has helped so many of my clients course correct along the way. . It is one of the most valuable tools you can use to prepare for a pivot because it forces you to pause, assess, and align your actions against your ideal outcomes. 

Instead of reacting to challenges or opportunities, you create clarity, alignment, and momentum. If you are trying to accelerate achieving your goals, run this exercise weekly. If you want to make sure you are staying on course for your ideal outcome, every thirty days is ideal.

If you want me to facilitate this exercise for you live, join me monthly on my free Live Coaching Call, and get some live guidance on your next best course of action! 

Why the Retrospective Exercise Matters

Business moves fast. As leaders, we are often focused on what’s next and rarely pause to evaluate where we are now. Without that pause, pivots become reactive.

The Retrospective Exercise gives you a framework to stop, reflect, and take stock. It works whether you are:

• Just getting started on something new

• Preparing for a strategic pivot

• Optimizing systems and processes

• Or simply checking in on your business during slower seasons

This pause creates perspective. And perspective is what allows you to move forward with intention.

How the Retrospective Exercise Works

Think of this exercise as a four-part assessment that creates your roadmap for aligned action:

1. Celebrate What’s Working

Start by listing what is going well.

• Which offers are performing?

• What client relationships are thriving?

• Which systems are making your life easier?

Anchoring yourself in strengths prevents you from losing sight of what is already successful. Too many entrepreneurs pivot by walking away from strengths they should be building on.

2. Identify What’s Not Working

Now, be brutally honest.

• Which services or products are draining resources?

• Where are you experiencing consistent bottlenecks?

• Which tasks or processes no longer align with your goals?

This is about cutting the noise. If it is not delivering results or is misaligned, it is time to let it go.

3. Define What Needs to Start

Every pivot requires new energy.

• What new actions, systems, or strategies are required to move forward?

• What opportunities are you ready to step into?

This is where you start shaping the path forward.

4. Prioritize Your Next Steps

Clarity without action creates stagnation. Choose your top three actions and set a timeline.

• What will you commit to in the next 7 days?

• What will you commit to in the next 30 days?

This step transforms reflection into momentum.

Why It Works

The Retrospective Exercise is powerful because it is not just about looking back. It is about using insights from the past to inform your next move.

When used before a pivot, it helps you:

• Validate whether a pivot is truly necessary

• Build a clear roadmap for execution

• Avoid overwhelm by focusing on the next most important step

You can run it solo, with your team, or with a coach. I often facilitate this process with my clients, and the breakthroughs are immediate.

Ready to Try It?

Grab a blank sheet of paper or open a new doc. Create four quadrants:

• What’s Working

• What’s Not Working

• What to Start

• Top 3 Actions

Run through each step honestly. Then commit to one action this week.

A pivot is not failure. It is a strategy. And the Retrospective Exercise is your roadmap to make sure that strategy is clear, aligned, and executable.

Ready to Explore Your Pivot?

1. Take the free CEO Quiz to uncover your natural leadership style.

2. Download the Hey Kareen® App to access daily prompts and coaching support.

3. Join my free monthly coaching call to practice the Retrospective Exercise live with me and other entrepreneurs.

Questions to Take Into the Hey Kareen® App

Use these prompts in the Hey Kareen® App to dig deeper:

1. What patterns do I see in what’s working and what’s not?

2. Which opportunities are most aligned with my vision right now?

3. What should I stop doing immediately to free up capacity?

4. Which three actions will have the biggest impact in the next 30 days?

5. How do I communicate these shifts to my team and clients?