Bernice Ang

7 Tips to Thrive in Uncertain Times

03/27/2020

Have you ever wondered how some people who face immense challenges in life manage to be upbeat and eventually overcome these issues, while others are defeated by it?

 

As we weather thru this Covid-19 pandemic, most of us are facing tremendous pressure that’s unprecedented. Over three million have lost their jobs, businesses are shut down, parents are juggling home schooling for their children while managing their work from home, retirees and investors have suffered significant loss of wealth, healthcare professionals are working feverishly to take care of the sick.

 

In times like this, how do we keep our minds clear and thoughts positive? How do we avoid sinking into panic and reactivity. The most critical part of thriving in life, regardless of the circumstances, is to own your personal power.

 

Here are 7 tips to truly thrive in times of uncertainty:

 

1. Take time in the morning to find your center and set intentions for the day

Make inner stillness and connection your starting point and set the scene for how you want your day to unfold. This serves as your inner compass and guides the rest of your day. Try practices like meditation, yoga or even take a walk to help focus your energy and prepare your actions.

 

2. Consistently let go of expectations

How do I let go of my expectations of what’s ‘normal’ for today? Colleagues might take longer to respond to your queries. The children will get restless in the house. Schedules will fall behind. We are not operating in ‘business as usual’ mode. Practice letting go of the ‘shoulds’ you expect from others. Practice forbearance and cut people some slack.

 

3. Listen intently without judgment

Our minds are constantly chattering and love to judge. Take a deep breath, allow yourself to listen fully, and release the inclination to jump into judgment. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Truly get what they are dealing with as this builds deep connection. Remember that there are at least two sides to every story. As an exercise, think of an idea, belief, or practice that you are against, and pretend that you have to defend this in an argument. Spend time to learn more about things that you disagree with or don’t like, because it is only through understanding that true communication is possible.

 

4. Be mindful of complaining too much

Focus more on what you enjoy and less on what you loathe. You’ll be amazed how this alone creates more ease in your life. Take an inventory of what is going on in your head right now. Are you stressed? Upset? Worried? Fearful? Worried about contaminating yourself and your loved ones or running out of PPE? If so, continue on to number 5.

 

5. Practice gratitude

Good things come to people who are grateful. Even when it’s difficult, there’s always something to be grateful for. Regularly show your appreciation for the people who support you. Take the time to say thank you to your spouse who has been juggling the kids’ needs and their own work. A word of appreciation to healthcare workers who are tirelessly working to keep us safe. A note of gratitude to a co-worker or friend can have an amazing impact on their day.

 

6. Pay it forward

Do kind things for others without expecting recognition. Offer a helping hand to someone who is struggling. Say a kind word to someone who is doing their best. Share what you can from your heart and you will thrive. Just like you try to get your 10,000 steps in, actively try to do at least one random act of kindness for a stranger each day. It could be as simple offering your grocery check-out person a candy bar or dropping a $10 bill into the cup of a homeless person.

 

7. Be present. Do not ruminate.

Focus on the here and now. Be emotionally available to your loved ones. Pull your attention to what you can actually impact in the present. When you are reaching for your phone while engaged with another person, especially a loved one, pause and consider whether that electronic communication is really necessary at that moment. Notice when you are obsessively worrying about the future, or beating yourself up over something in the past. STOP.

 

Ultimately, thriving in life is largely determined by your mindset. You have full control of what you choose to think. Empowering thoughts result in empowered actions. As Frank Outlaw wisely said:

Watch your thoughts, for they become words
Watch your words, for they become actions
Watch your actions, for they become habits
Watch your habits, for they become your character
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

 

Taking charge of your destiny starts with being mindful of what’s happening inside your own head. Practice these seven tips to gain more clarity and better deal with the stress of these uncertain times.

 

About:

Bernice Ang is an Executive Coach who spent 30 years as a Marketing Executive in Fortune 50 companies. She currently works with high performing professionals to integrate their work and life goals so they can live life on their own terms. For more information, please visit www.liveaThriveLife.com.

 

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