Thriving in Uncertain Times
Picture this:
I’m driving my son to school this week – a 30-minute one-way trip that involves multiple highways – when I see a crowd of people in the distance, standing above me on an overpass, waving and holding a huge sign that says, “RESIST!”
As I drive under them, I’m hit with a surge of energy, and a realization.
The energy I feel is something akin to hope mixed with defiance. I know that this kind of on-the-ground effort is what opens people’s eyes and creates the groundswell we need. It makes me angry that we’re here, yet also inspired to see people getting involved.
And my realization? That we are, truly, living through unprecedented times.
As I told Eli in the car, 2025 will be written in the history books for centuries to come.
In some ways, this is quite cool. History often feels so far away, but actually – we’re making it right now.
And, let’s be honest, this is also really hard. There’s so much uncertainty, and uncertainty is so uncomfortable.
[Sometimes I have to remind myself that there are things that are NOT uncertain. That in fact, some things – especially in nature – are stable and predictable.]
One of the places I know many of us are feeling uncertain is work.
On a global scale, this uncertainty shows up in headlines and company memos about artificial intelligence, return-to-office mandates, and our collective economic outlook.
On a personal level, uncertainty looks like unexpected expenses, new caregiving responsibilities, family health scares, layoff worries, and more.
I don’t say all of this to add fuel to the fire, but rather to offer an invitation:
When life feels uncertain, how do you respond? Do you double down and work harder? Get angry or lash out? Put your head in the sand?
[For the record, I’ve tried them all.]
What if, instead of trying to control the uncertainty, you could ride the waves and surf instead?
Try this Out
In my experience, our ability to thrive – even in uncertain times – hinges largely on our mindset.
Now, don’t get me wrong: a lot of life’s uncertainties have to do with structural and systemic issues that fall outside the scope of your control.
AND also: how are you thinking about the uncertainty you’re in?
As I explain in my new, on-demand workshop, “After the Layoff,” your thoughts inform your actions, and your actions dictate your outcomes.
Make sure your thoughts are working in your favor.
What to Do Next
Another way to thrive during uncertain times? Get support.
My Career Strategy Intensive program helps you get unstuck, get clear on your vision for the future, and create a roadmap to achieve it – even during uncertainty.
Take it from a recent Intensive client who wrote me this week:
“In a nutshell, I feel like I've bloomed back into life!
One of the best things about coaching with you is that it created a space for me to have some honest conversations with my family about what I want and don't want.
With your help, I identified what those things were, and because my family was curious to know how the coaching was going, it provided a conversation starting point. Now, they are fully on board and supportive of my decision to quit my job and pivot into another career.
I've embarked on a path that I'm really enjoying!”
Ready to get unstuck, make plans, and get going? Read more and sign up here.
Onward,
