Pivot
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
When the initial assumptions (product/market/growth model) are found to be invalid, keep one foot in place (core vision/capabilities) and turn the other foot in a new direction. It is not giving up, but a strategic correction.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Survival instinct: The only reason startups survive is that they pivot fast enough. Slack was originally a gaming company, Twitter was originally a podcast platform. Sticking to the original intention often leads to a dead end.
Anchor fast decisions
When core assumptions (users, problem, solution, channel) are falsified by evidence, continuing on the original path is wasteful. Pivot changes one or more underlying assumptions without abandoning the core vision/assets, turning to a more likely path. It transforms "failure" into a rapid iteration of "learn-pivot."
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pivotverified
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