Our approach to life is a big question.
However, this post will break it down to look at just one layer.
I listened to an episode of the TED Radio Hour podcast over the weekend.
The title was “Approaches to Life: Improvise, Pivot, or Plan.”
There were three interviews, one with a person who has each of the 3 approaches.
My Perspective
While I was intrigued by the concept, the interviews weren’t what I expected.
They were all bigger, more extreme versions of the concepts.
I’m not sure they would happen to most of us.
The pivot had 1 major pivot that changed the course of their life.
This got me thinking about the three approaches.
Do most people lead with one?
I think the answer is yes – sort of.
For me, I can see people as either improvisers or planners.
Improvisers go with the flow while planners like structure and vision.
I see this tying to the last letter of the Myers-Briggs assessment – the P vs. J.
P = Perceiving: Perceivers are more open, flexible, and adaptable. They tend to plan less.
J = Judging: Judgers are structured, tend to plan, and stick to the plan. They are often list-makers.
I like the improviser/planner continuum vs. perceiving/judging.
The words are more intuitive. And both words seem more positive.
What is missing from my response is the pivot.
I feel like the pivots can be either intentional or unplanned for both improvisers and planners.
Planners can plan an intentional shift, and improvisers can take a different fork in the road.
On the flip side, both can pivot based on something unplanned.
Death. Divorce. Job Loss. Health Event.
These can all change the course of our lives without planning.
Your Turn
What do you think of the approaches to life?
Do you see pivot as an approach or something that happens to both other types?
Which category do you fall into?