Recently, everything in our world has shifted from the familiar to the unknown.  This transformation occurred at a speed no one could have anticipated. The uncertainty we are experiencing from the COVID-19 pandemic is testing our abilities to rationally problem-solve. It disrupts our productivity and makes managing everyday relationships a challenge.  

In the limbic system of our brains, we’re wired to view uncertainty as a threat. Our limbic brain function is highly influential in our responses to uncertainty. It encourages us to react quickly (often too quickly) as a survival mechanism.

Fortunately, our prefrontal cortex, the part of our brain that is responsible for rational thought and awareness, is there to help us choose an alternative behavior. Using this part of our brain helps us to recognize the moment we slide into our fight-or-flight thought process.  It allows us to question our reaction and begin to search for rational solutions. As we go through this self-awareness process, our fear begins to subside.

“When nothing is certain, anything is possible.” – Mandy Hale.

Travis Bradberry, Ph.D., has offered some insight into this self-awareness process of shifting from our reactionary brain to our problem-solving function. Here are some ideas based on his article: “11 Ways Emotionally Intelligent People Overcome Uncertainty,”  (TALENTSMART).

The Power of Thinking Positively: When we’re stressed, it’s easy to immediately think negatively about our situation. Instead, try focusing on one recent positive observation or incident, something that made you smile, even if the event was insignificant at the time. Positive thoughts begin to shift our perspective and our mood. 

Recognize What You Do & Don’t Know: When we’re uncertain, it’s difficult to make decisions. Write a list of facts you know regarding a particular problem. Write another list of the unknowns that occur to you.  Rate each item on the two lists in terms of importance, then weigh their impact. This helps to make uncertainty more tangible.

Admit That Perfection is Unrealistic: By nature, human beings are prone to making mistakes. This has always been and will always be. If we expect perfection, we are setting ourselves up for failure and disappointment.  Write down some of your more important achievements or moments when you were proud of how you handled a situation. Channel that sense of accomplishment into your problem-solving process to move more confidently toward a solution. A sense of confidence is powerful in a time of uncertainty. 

Create a Contingency Plan: Conceding that perfection is not realistic frees us up to make a contingency plan in case things shift after we’ve chosen an initial strategy. Emotionally intelligent people know that it’s more important to be flexible than it is to be right. We can’t eliminate uncertainty; we can only attempt to manage it wisely.

When You’re Overwhelmed - Breathe: Uncertainty can create anxiety, and at the extreme end of the spectrum, panic. During uncertain times it’s helpful to slow down and focus on breathing as a form of returning to a more calm and rational state. Alone, in a quiet, controlled environment, take a moment to focus on breathing evenly and deeply. Your mind may try to pull you back into the events of the day.  Reset your process when this happens. This takes some dedication. Set aside a time to visit a neutral space to simply breathe. Breathing mindfully increases your oxygen intake and creates a calming effect.

The United States has experienced great uncertainty and disruption before. In just 31 years during the first half of the 20th century, our country fought in two World Wars and worked our way out of the Great Depression, the biggest financial disruption in the history of our country. These titanic events tested our values, our common purpose and our vision for the future.  They also brought us closer together and strengthened our resolve to persevere. 

Even though uncertainty is always with us, we don’t need to let our instinctual fight-or-flight reactions control our decision-making process. We can choose to practice self-awareness and explore rational solutions. 

As your business goes through this weighty disruption, remember that Possibilities Consulting is here for you. 

Our executive coaching staff can help you. We are here to support you and your executive team to make timely, balanced, and well thought out decisions during this period of profound uncertainty.