In a World of Uncertainty, Here’s What You CAN Control
It feels like the ground beneath us is shifting—and it’s hard to find solid footing. With the stock market dropping, geopolitical tensions rising, global conflict and economic uncertainty, it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the future.
The pressure we put on ourselves to keep up, to adapt, to figure it all out—it can be exhausting. And when everything feels out of control and chaotic, it’s easy to question everything.
If that’s you right now, I can relate… I’ve been there.
I still remember the first time I felt this level of uncertainty—feeling like everything I thought I knew was being turned upside down. I was early in my career at GE when the company began a massive transformation—one that would eventually lead it to breaking apart. Suddenly, mentors I looked up to were losing their jobs. The organizational chart was changing constantly. Everything that had felt stable was changing. I had expected to retire from GE, and the blueprint I had planned for my career was dissolving.
At the time, the consistent leadership message was: “Control what you can control.” It was a catchy phrase… but honestly? I didn’t know what that meant. Not really.
How do you “control what you can control” when you’re scared? When your foundation is cracking? When your thoughts are spinning and the road ahead is foggy?
The truth is: most of us aren’t taught how to do that. Especially not when the world feels uncertain and unpredictable.
We can’t control external forces—not the job market, not global events, not the pace of change. But we can build the inner resources that help us navigate it all: our mindset, our resilience, and our ability to recognize fear and meet it with compassion instead of panic. We can learn to respond, not react. To stay rooted in who we are, even when everything around us feels unstable.
That’s the real work—and it’s not always easy. I know, because I’ve lived it. A few years back, as I was focused on advancing in HR leadership roles, my job was restructured. The world as I knew it had imploded. I was terrified. I questioned everything. I had days where I truly believed I might never find work again, weeks I struggled to stay grounded. Because here’s the truth: inner strength doesn’t just appear when you need it most. It’s not something you can “decide” to have overnight. It’s something you build—through practice, persistence, and often, with support from others.
So, how do you start building that inner strength?
How do you control what you can control when the world around you feels like it’s spinning out of control? Here are a few steps that can help you begin to find your footing, even in the most uncertain times.
Steps to Regain Control:
Focus on Your Daily Routines When everything feels unpredictable, grounding yourself in daily routines can bring a sense of stability. Whether it’s a morning coffee, a daily walk, a mindfulness practice, or a consistent work schedule—these small rituals can anchor you and help you feel more in control of your day.
Create Small, Achievable Goals During times of uncertainty, the big picture can feel overwhelming. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps. By achieving even little things every day, you’ll regain a sense of accomplishment and control over your path forward.
Strengthen Your Inner Dialogue Pay attention to your self-talk. In difficult times, it’s easy to be self-critical or pessimistic. Instead, try to shift your inner conversation to one of compassion and encouragement. Remind yourself that it’s okay not to have all the answers right now. Progress doesn’t happen all at once, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time.
Lean into Support Whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a therapist, having someone to talk through your feelings of uncertainty can make a world of difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember: you don’t have to navigate this alone. Seeking support is a powerful act of self-care.
No one should have to navigate this alone.
If you’re in a season of uncertainty—whether it’s career-related, personal, or something you can’t even name yet—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Send me a message and we’ll find time to chat!
And if this isn’t something you need right now, but someone in your life might? Please feel free to share it.
We can’t control the chaos of the world. But we can strengthen how we move through it—with clarity, with intention, and with support. 🫶