The Courage to Pivot: Use AI to Make Purpose Personal

Curator Mary Savage had a simple idea: Showcase blue ribbon winners from American state fairs at the famous Smithsonian Institution. “State Fairs: Growing American Craft,” which runs through September 7, 2026, features a diverse range of art, including woodworking, canning, and quilting.

My personal favorite? The life-size butter cow. No kidding.

You might look at some of the entries and think, Why in the world would someone devote time to that?! But here’s what’s interesting: Your purpose doesn’t need to make sense to everyone. It just needs to light you up.

Build Your Purpose on People Skills

In the September series, Pivot with Purpose, we’ve discussed how people skills can help you take charge of your next chapter. “Purpose” sounds impressive, but do you ever think, I’ll know it when I see it!

Here’s a way to streamline it: Purpose is how you show up.

It’s not your job, achieving a particular title, or taking exotic vacations. Instead, people remember the intangibles from those situations. You’re living your purpose by becoming an expert collaborator, leading teams by combining critical thinking and care, and going the extra mile to create an unforgettable family trip.

Likewise, the case studies this month showcased people all living their purpose. What they accomplished was only half the story. People skills shifted accomplishments to a legacy.

For example, we met:

1. Lyn Slater, The Accidental Icon. Her purpose is being her true self, and fashion is how she does it. Through her authenticity, others feel inspired to be genuine. (So, you do you if flannel rather than New York Fashion Week is your jam.)
2. Joanna Patchett, a hospice nurse who has leveraged her diverse professional background to master emotional intelligence and being perceptive. Science is essential, but the magic happens through heartfelt connections to her patients and their families.
3. Missy Park, owner of sports gear company Title Nine. She wanted to empower an underserved niche and wound up achieving her goal by building strong partnerships. Persistence and grit led to a $100 million business.
4. Smithsonian Curator Mary Savage, who has assembled an incredible collection of American craftsmanship. More than entertainment, that single exhibit will influence thousands to pursue and share their own creative passion.

Louisa May Alcott wrote, “Where the heart is, the mind works best.” So, what is in your heart that will become your day in, day out purpose? How about building your next pivot on big ideas like:

* Becoming a persuasive communicator

* Bringing clarity and precision to negotiations

* Creating incredible products through innovative thinking

* Demonstrating the value of determination and strength of heart

* Being the most trustworthy person in every room

By using these ideas, you’ll not only work your purpose—you’ll also stand out as a leader. That applies whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running the family business, or pursuing your side hustle of butter carving.

AI Prompts to Help You Pivot with Purpose

Now that you’re on board with the concept of living on purpose, are you stumped about how to make it personal, fun, and juicy? Don’t rely on wishing and hoping. Harness AI to kickstart a blueprint filled with marketable skills.

For instance:

1. If you’re new to people skills: I’m just getting started with people skills. Give me a sample list of skills + examples so I can discover my superpower.
2. If you’re in the middle of a job pivot: Review my LinkedIn summary and provide three suggestions for how to optimize it for high-impact, search-friendly language for [target role or industry].
3. If you’d like a list of job options based on your people skills superpowers: I excel at <problem solving, leading teams, collaboration, communication, etc.>. What are possible roles in <industry> where I could maximize these skills?
4. If you’re interested in starting a company: I want to start my own business in 2 years. Based on my current resume, what experiences and competencies do I need to build to be successful?

Pivots can feel overwhelming, even when you’re enthusiastic and ready to hit the gas. So, take charge like the creative, wise CEO of your life—a Soul Boss—and use people skills to practice your purpose daily. Make it manageable, realistic, and attainable.