Handling uncertainty

The recent economic uncertainties combined with the finger-pointing and accusations that typify our campaign process leave most of us feeling like we are balancing on a Bosu—one wrong move, one slight shift and we might end up sitting flat on the floor.

It’s the sense of helplessness that is the worst part. We wonder: Is there anything we can do to change what’s happening? Will our vote really make a difference or will the winner just go on to give us four more years of empty promises? Will Wall Street rebound or is another Great Depression right around the corner?

What about our savings and investments—will the money still be there tomorrow? And our jobs—will our hours might be cut or, even worse, eliminated? What are we supposed to do?

Recent articles highlight the psychological and physical effects of all this stress. An article on WebMD highlighted fatigue, feelings of irritability or anger and sleep issues as results of all this worrying. Stress creates health problems, which generates worries, which leads to more stress…well, you get the picture.

So how can we turn this around? While it’s true that we have limited control over what is happening with our economy, we do have control over how we handle our fears.

• Start by talking with others—not just to complain but to look for options, alternatives and useful suggestions.
• Evaluate your spending habits—make sure your “needs” aren’t just “wants” in disguise.
• Engage in proactive strategies—if your job might be in jeopardy, update your resume and start sending it out, or consider taking classes to upgrade your skills and knowledge base.
  

In short, do something positive instead of allowing fear to incapacitate you.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face…You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

Handling your own “personal disasters”

Just a few weeks ago, Hurricane Ike roared through Texas, living death and destruction in his wake. And for those in Texas and other affected areas, life will never be the same. Homes can be rebuilt and power restored, but the sense of safety and security that once was taken for granted is not so easy to repair.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes are just some of the natural disasters that our country, along with others around the world, have faced. But there are other kinds of “disasters” that can sweep into one’s life, changing it forever.

Recent financial “earthquakes” have shaken our economy to the core, with the aftershocks—job loss, mortgage issues and credit problems—gravely damaging many people’s finances, in some cases, beyond repair.

Breast cancer, if diagnosed too late or treated ineffectively, can burn through one’s health with unbelievable speed. And in the ashes are left grieving families who want nothing more than one more moment with the one who has gone.

The harsh winds of domestic violence leave a path of destruction in their wake. And like a hurricane or tornado, you can’t outrun it or defeat it. The wisest course is to seek shelter at the first warning sign and then, once the immediate danger is over, create a new life in a better, safer, healthier place.

Why am I focusing on these three issues? Because October is Domestic Violence Month, National Credit Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month—just three types of personal disaster that can destroy you—emotionally, psychologically and/or physically.

When you are in the midst of a metaphorical firestorm or tsunami, survival takes precedence. But once the immediate danger is over, you need to shift into recovery mode, doing what you can to rebuild your life as well as consider what needs to be done to prevent a recurrence.

If you are worried that you might be in the path of your own personal “disaster” or if you are in the aftermath stage of major life crisis, here is what you need in your “disaster kit”:

• Your own “9-1-1” network—Do you have friends or family members you can turn to for advice or support? Great! But sometimes you need more than just a shoulder to cry on. You need a professional (career advisor, attorney, therapist, whatever) who has the knowledge and objectivity to help you weather the storm and make the changes necessary to move forward.

• A solid plan—“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” I don’t know who to credit for that quote but it’s the truth. You need a strategy, a course of action, options to choose from when disaster strikes. Don’t just sit there, wringing your hands and wondering what to do. Get out a paper and pen, make a list of all your options and then bounce them off your “9-1-1” team (see above).

• A well-developed “change muscle”—You need to be open to changes. When your life highway requires major reconstruction, there is no point in standing at the roadside, saying “But I don’t want it to be different.” It is different and like it or not, you need to be able to adapt to the change. If you haven’t exercised your change muscle lately, it’s never too late to start. Challenge yourself and try something new as a way of “warming up” for changes to come. If you’re faced with a change right now, believe in your ability to handle the changed circumstance. Self-confidence is a powerful force!

Are you facing a disaster and need some encouragement? Post your request for moral support and practical advice by clicking on the COMMENTS link below. If you’ve successfully weathered a storm, tell us what you did!