Navigating through uncertain times

Uncertainty is not new to us, though whenever our paths take a turn, all our senses are on high alert. It feels like we have been handed a new terrain to navigate and the worries of unseen or unthought of roadblocks come to increase the creases on our brow.

Today corporate world is going through a major global churn influenced by multiple factors including wars, geo-political dynamics, a rough market, ever changing regulations which have become more stringent, Artificial intelligence, Machine learning and Bankruptcies.

The fear of the unknown and what it may bring us, grows further as we grapple through these times along with the pressure to provide the best for our families.

While sailing through rough waters, here are few things I would like to share that have also helped me –

1. Sometimes, the best thing to do is “Nothing”. It is difficult to be in this state as you are so accustomed to be in the continuous working headspace. Though at times “Wait and watch” is a good strategy in an ever-changing environment. It helps you pause and decide and on the available options.
2. Keep learning – make friends quickly with newer in demand technologies or skills in your work space. Apart from giving you the necessary edge in a competitive world, it helps motivate, boosts confidence, fosters your personal growth and intellectual stimulation, expands knowledge and broaden horizons. A wonderful quote that comes to mind from Anthony Angelo – “Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.”
3. Acceptance – As soon as you accept the situation, the mountain of worry dis-appears and newer roads appear as your mind clears. Have you noticed, the more you resist to change or uncertainty, it eats into your mental space. As you keep worrying, it also starts impacting your physical and mental health.
4. Take time to improve your health – If work has slowed, take this time to focus on your health which is usually neglected in the corporate world due to demanding schedules. You could opt for walks that does great for the mind and soul as well. Options like yoga, aerobics, gymming, playing a sport like badminton, tennis etc also help in overall alignment of body, mind and soul.
5. Mental health is of utmost importance during these uncertain times. This is where it helps to accept the situation, a loss of job or something that did not work out and it helps to be transparent with those around you. When you share your problems, it helps reduce the mental burden you are carrying and aids in the healing process of the heart and the mind. If you are not able to share with close family or friends, there are alternate options of counselling which one must not hesitate to opt for.
6. Save for a rainy day ahead – When the going is good, it also helps to plan your financials and invest in the multiple options available that would help you when the going gets tough. This would give you time, to look for other options if something goes wrong with your current job at any given point in time.  
7. Last but not the least, take time to do what makes your soul happy – could be reading, painting, singing, dancing, writing. In the end if you are happy, it helps sail through any obstacle in life. “ No medicine cures what happiness cannot” – Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
   
   

Hope this helps you in some way as it has for me in these turbulent times.