Why is it so hard to pivot, even when we know it’s right? Understanding how to think outside the box often means confronting our deep-rooted desire for internal consistency. When deeply held beliefs clash with new evidence or circumstances, discomfort rushes in—what psychologists label cognitive dissonance.

If your attention is somewhere else, your capacity to lead, respond, or decide is gone with it. You are either present, or you are absent. There is no in-between.

Confront your circumstances. Leverage them. Avoid the trap of escapism. Regardless of your future plans, you have to start where you are.