Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M3693

Pivot

Pivot
SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

A fundamental, structural correction to a basic assumption of the business model while keeping the grand vision unchanged. This is not a simple 'adjustment' but an 'engine change'. For example, YouTube pivoted from a video dating site to a video sharing platform.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Strategic error correction. Entrepreneurship is not executing a plan but exploring the unknown. Pivot is the core of lean startup, acknowledging that initial assumptions are likely wrong and providing a systematic way to find the right direction without starting over.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Refers to the fulcrum or key turning point around which rotation occurs; in strategy, it means decisively turning to a new direction after validating assumptions.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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