Remember, to worry isn't preparing you for anything.
The economic climate in Malaysia is unpredictable. All the indicators suggest things will get worse before they get any better. At workplaces, the situation will be tough. Often, when there is economic instability, people worry. This undermines their performance and their well-being.
When I was younger, I noticed that work uncertainties elicited adverse responses in me. My mind would go into overdrive about whether I would get paid or about the possibility of securing a new job. I was always stressed out and sought security. I suppose psychologists would explain that the mind will do almost anything for certainty. We are all intrinsically programmed to amplify threats and underestimate our capacity to deal with them.
I would get triggered by small issues. If a colleague did not reply a message fast enough, or if I felt that my boss was not smiling at me, or someone used a certain tone of voice, my reactions would be quite volatile.
It took a toll on my health, and my mental well-being. But I realised that emotional safety is important for my own good. It is about having self-worth, being able to take risks, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable without the fear of negative consequences.
I also understood that if I am burnt out, or overly stressed, it is extremely difficult to get myself to work properly or to focus on problem solving. We all need just the right amount of "stress" to drive results. But prolonged stress destroys personal efficacy.
The reality is that no organisation is "stress-free." But companies and leaders who have developed the ability to convert fear of uncertainty into opportunities for learning and growth, cultivate team members who perform better. Organisational heads who can effectively manage the fear of uncertainty in their employees will experience reduced attrition rates, and can expect higher productivity.
Here are strategies that worked for me when I face uncertainty in my life and career. Perhaps, these approaches will be useful for you, too.
First, I worked hard on my tolerance levels for vagueness and ambiguity. Naturally, I crave for security and clarity. But work-life and my business forays always brought unexpected pitfalls. I realised that during uncertain times, my mindset was the only thing I could absolutely control.
I learnt to change my perspective and reframe my mindset. I kept telling myself that whilst things were scary now, an abundance of goodness was waiting for me in the future. And to get there, I would have to not only have positive moments, but I would also have to deal with negative outcomes.
This ability to re-frame is not easy, but it comes with practice.
Next, I focused on work-life balance to care for myself. I started taking breaks during the workday and stopped feeling guilty about it. I know most employers do not want to hear this, but I justified it by producing results. It is not about skiving off work, but about recalibrating yourself.
I actively took vacations every six weeks, usually just an extended weekend. I would travel or sometimes I'd have a staycation at home to unplug from work. These breaks are necessary; however, it becomes a pointless exercise if you are going to be attached to your phone or computer. Most importantly, if you are fraught with guilt every time you take time off, it becomes counter-productive.
Then, I cognised that there are things I can focus on. It is imperative to comprehend that who you surround yourself with makes a huge difference. The language and energy of the people you listen to can either elevate your mindset or sow self-doubt.
I made time only for people who empowered me. Naturally, you will lose family and friends when you do this. But I made an active choice for my personal growth over my obligations. Often, your family and closest friends unintentionally thwart your progress. Because of their concern for you, they will discourage you from taking risks or doing anything out of the ordinary.
Without being disrespectful, stay away from them. Hang out only with people who inspire you. Speak to, and seek the counsel of those who have already achieved some measure of success in their own field. Most of all, stay away from damaging people.
And finally, perhaps the smartest thing I learnt to do was to stop randomly pondering and ruminating. This habit is the cause of sleepless nights for many people. I know there are those who worry literally about everything. It becomes a habit and it does not solve anything. Instead, you need to create action plans and strategies. No results will ever come your way if you are constantly consumed by anxiety.
So, accept that uncertainty is an integral part of your life and your career. If you unable to do this, your fear will be amplified. This will see you resisting and arguing with your own situation, instead of taking steps to navigate out of the problem.
Remember, to worry isn't preparing you for anything!
