Coping With Uncertainty
By: Jeff Mortimore, RSI Community Connector
I know this past week has been a big one for most of us. The news is always there: more infections, more restrictions, more fear, a two trillion stimulus package, and a long list of worries and questions. We’re not used to this. We’re also not built for disconnection and distancing. The overall situation is out of your control and immediate influence. Or is it?
Your view, your thoughts, and your perspective is completely within your control. I have been amazed and inspired by the companies and individuals that have made a gracious and glorious pivot to new practices. From curbside service, to Zoom yoga sessions, and even Minnesota’s own Bob Dylan has come out recently with one of the most profound musical contributions in years. I am emploring you to take the following actions: choose a positive viewpoint, look for new opportunities, think about how you can help, and choose to be proactive. When you make those choices, good things will happen for you and for those around you—whether that is the team you lead, the people you serve, or the team around you.
How have you adapted to this situation? I know that for me it has required daily discipline to commit to focus and not to distraction, and to focus more on the contribution than the challenge. I have had to find new ways to deliver support and service and new ways to connect digitally. I am now embracing the advantages of touching base via Zoom or Google Hangouts, and it is wonderful! In fact, I have found it to be even more effective as we are able to connect with very little distraction in the home. I only wish that I had used these platforms earlier. The idea is that adaptation requires a degree of agility and resilience. It will stretch you, it will change you for the better.
In this season of uncertainty, it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to find your own way of coping, to be overwhelmed with the constant state of change, the cancellations, the children, the chaos. What works well in times like this is the power of gratitude, the power to slow your world down and see the simplicity in movement. I hope that gives you a jolt of encouragement today.
Let’s all keep moving forward, even if from home.
Be the centered one amid the chaos—even if you fail daily, months from now, you’ll know you made the attempt at a time when it was so needed.
Learn more about Jeff’s work at RSI on our Community Connections page.
