Handling Uncertain Times like a BOSS!

11 ways to handle uncertainty with resilience, a practical approach, and positive mindset

Themes: Empowerment, mindset, planning, positive thinking.

Dealing with rapid change

In a time of uncertainty and rapid change, it is very easy to feel panicked, anxious and fearful. Our sense of security and stability founded in our jobs, businesses, money, and housing all jeopardised, leaving us feeling unsure about our future. 

What we had relied on to hold us up are the things that have made us feel useful, powerful, influential and strong, all now coming undone because of the changes occurring around us that we cannot control.

Perhaps at this moment, we realise that we cannot guarantee everything in life and that sometimes, as hard as the present situation may be, its the right moment to make lemonade out of lemons. 

Remember, there is nothing gained by feeling fearful. It is vital to allow the emotion (energy in motion) to pass and look at what matters. Positivity, planning and proactivity are critical as we have the choice to deal with the uncertainty like a boss, so let's get focused and put our attention on how to make our today and tomorrow better.

11 ways to handle uncertainty with resilience, a practical approach, and positive mindset:

1) Create a space for positivity and stillness

In times like these, it is essential to take a moment to breathe to create a bumper space between us and the surrounding situation to ground our mind, body and emotions. To be our best, we need harmony and balance FIRST to be able to put an affirmative plan of action into place. We can create a positive space for ourselves through deep breathing, quiet time, meditation, rest, sleep, going for a walk, or moving our attention to what we know uplifts us. For instance, listening to music we love, dancing, enjoying a hearty home-cooked meal, exploring creative endeavours, doing exercise or movement, and regular stretching. Finding the time to cultivate positivity and stillness is essential to better deal with the moment we are in. Make time – it is essential and a non-negotiable. 

2) Edit out the negative vibes

Everything in life is vibration and energy, so it is important to filter what you expose yourself to and edit out what is not helpful to you. Exposing yourself to negative vibes - these being fearful talk, frustration, anger, criticism, blame, resentment, etc. can only keep you feeling uneasy! Take action and start editing! Work on an essentials basis and if something or somebody doesn't make you feel good (even what they post or tell you) edit, edit, edit! Preserve your energy for solving your challenges.

3) Qualify your information sources and filter!

If you are listening to every little voice, every opinion and thought it is easy to feel disoriented, confused and frustrated. Take a moment to step back and carefully select those who you listen to. Qualify the sources of information with values of integrity and professionalism and ask yourself, is the source of information valid, or is it just hearsay? If unsure, look to official sources for information and ask questions – these may be government or trusted professionals. Limit from who you collect information as viral videos, posts, and opinions can cause mental clutter and confusion. 

4) No blame game

It is not helpful to fall into blame-talk "he-said, she-said" victim stuff as this perpetuates negative energy and keeps you in a negative mindset. Instead promise yourself to act proactively and take positive action towards improving your situation. Be patient and persist. Sometimes we cannot get what we want immediately in life and certainly jumping up and down and throwing our emotions and disappointment on others is not going to help us move forward. If you are feeling frustrated, let it out in a healthy way. Do some exercise, listen to music you enjoy, scream into a pillow, whatever it might be, do that first because nobody deserves your frustration and extra pressure, particularly in the current circumstances.

5) Focus on what you can control. 

Remember, we may not be able to control what happens around us, but we can certainly control how we deal with situations, our attitudes, our actions, our mindset, our communication, thoughts and emotions. It might be tough, but the sooner you accept the environmental situation and focus on what you can control, you can begin to feel hopeful. Ask yourself, what are you truly focusing on? Do your words, thoughts and emotions reflect a positive or negative state?

Make a list of all the things you can control from personal to work, to your surrounding environment, and ask yourself :

"How can I help myself?" 

"Can something be done?"

" How can I ease my own pressure?" 

" How can I collaborate with others?"

If you are unsure, carefully choose a positive and helpful person to brainstorm with and from there, create a to-do list. Put your list and thoughts on paper. There is no use cluttering your mind with more information, so get writing. Be sure to cross off your list as you go.

6) Switch your mindset 

Even in times like this, it's not all doom and gloom. Of course, if you focus on what you have lost, you will perpetuate the shit cycle, but if you think about it, what have you gained? 

More time

Perhaps more time? Time for…for self-development, family and personal relationships, home repairs, gardening, creative outlets, studies, cleaning? In a society where we complain about not having enough time, well, now we have it, so best to use it wisely as life will come back to normal sooner than later!

Less money, but an opportunity to reflect, budget and save

Having less money than you are used to is not a bad thing. It means now is the time to re-budget, re-calculate cash flow and look at what is non-essential (at this time) and reduce it. Perhaps your banks, creditors and lenders are willing to reduce your loans? Ask the question. We are living in a wasteful time, and inevitably you may have become accustomed to spending equivalent to your earnings, which may undoubtedly include non-essential expenses that you have become accustomed. When you re-budget, you might just find you have more than enough to get you through this period. Remember, there are people in the world who survive on much less than the average person in our country. Make it a time to become a Master of your Finances and discover saving hacks that you can implement into your lifestyle to continue when life returns to normal. 

New solutions - discover your creativity!

We might find, due to the rapid changes, there are more challenges to solve. Now is the time to ask yourself, do I need a hand? Is there a new way to tackle this? What is the best way and least complicated way to approach this? People at this moment are more willing to help one another so if you do need help, just ask! A Crisis can bring more compassion and kindness, and even creativity and genius! Again, plan your challenges. Write them down, make a list and ask yourself, which can I manage alone and which do I need help with. Ask for help, organise, delegate or create!

7) See the situation for what it is - momentary and passing.

Nothing in life is permanent. Everything that happens is transient and moving. Changes happen in waves and the quicker we adapt ourselves and look for the opportunity in the situation, the sooner we can plan and move towards success. Riding the wave certainly doesn't mean lying down and taking a beating, by the way! It means moving with the change with a positive attitude, no resistance, creating opportunities and acting with flow. Again, the more you try to control what you cannot, the more you resist the changes. So let go, choose to ride the wave and act positively!

8) Be responsible. Take ACTION and refrain from a reaction.

Remember, we may not be able to control what happens around us, but we can certainly control how we deal with situations, our attitudes, our actions, our mindset, our communication, thoughts and emotions. So seriously, are you focusing your words, thoughts and feelings towards a better outcome? Or are you whinging and moaning? Remember, plan and act for the best result in life instead of planning and acting to avoid failure. The subtle difference lies in your intention, your attitude and your integrity.

9) Make the most of the time and plan for success

Hand in hand with point number 6, if you've been good in the past at making your list of goals that you've always wanted to achieve and never achieved them, perhaps its time to revisit them and get them going. 

To begin your plan, take to pen and paper and follow these steps. 

i. First decide on a period for your plan - in this scenario, 2 or 3 months might be reasonable. 

ii. If you don't have one already, create a list based on categories. Choose which you feel suits you:

Category 1: Education

Category 2: Physical / Health

Category 3: Relationship

Category 4: Personal Development

Category 5: Financial Goals

Category 6: Mindset Goals

Category 7: Daily Ritual Goals

Category 8: New Experiences 

Category 9: Discovery

iii. Write your goals using SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-based)

iv. Make a task list - short, action oriented sentences

v. Put those tasks into a weekly plan

iv. Success measures: at the beginning of each day review your goals list and at the end of the day, tick off what you have achieved. Don't forget to celebrate ALL your progress (no matter how small)

10) Decide to become a WINNER/MASTER at solving challenges

Making the decision to see your challenges as something you can overcome gives you energy and motivation to overcome them. Believing that YOU CAN and that YOU WILL is the first place to start. Prepare your mind from a positive place, get yourself inspired and believe you will overcome your challenge. Tackle your challenge with a piece by piece approach, make a to-do list and attend to each item one by one. At the end of each challenge, reward yourself - a high five, a pat on the back, and keep on going. It all starts with your attitude so if you have an approach of a winner, a person that "CAN", then you will. Where you don't have answers, ask questions. Remember that you are not alone, and likely somebody else has faced the same challenge as you in the past. 

11) Be grateful, patient and kind. 

Why gratitude 

Commencing from a place of gratitude is the only place to begin a journey. Gratitude and kindness are like the seeds of a tree; good seeds, when nurtured right bear amazing fruits and flower so think of your mindset as grounds to be cultivated for what is to unfold in life – If you want good things in life, think good thoughts and do good things!

More patience

In times of high stress, there is no use to put more pressure, tension and stress on yourself and others with a negative attitude, so exercise patience and be measured in your words. Unnecessary delays can be caused by mistakes, confusion and frustration from that extra stress, so give a bit of leeway to the situation at hand. Nobody wants a challenging life, so we are all in the same boat.

Be kind

Finally, exercise kindness. There are always people worse off than you so decide to find the positive in your situation. Is there somebody you can check in on? Is there somebody you needs a hand? Is there a way you can help a neighbour? Being kind to others is living from a place of Love. When we are loving, our actions and words bring a simple and powerful gift of joy, appreciation, care and support, the effects of which on another may be immeasurable. It might be just what is needed to lift morale, give hope and change the course of the person's day.

Written by Jo Anne
Instagram.com/lifecoachjoanne | www.lifecoachjoanne.com

Life Coaching + Wellness Coaching with Jo Anne Zamora Gante

Jo Anne Zamora Gante is an accredited Life Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation.

As an experienced teacher and workshop facilitator in dance, movement, body-mind teachings and holistic wellness, Jo Anne coaches clients all around the world online and in-person in their journey to be happier, passionate, fulfilled and loving individuals.

Jo Anne delivers her work in English, Spanish and Italian.

Contact Jo Anne joanne@lifecoachjoanne.com
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