We don’t need leaders when things are great.

We need them right now when the world feels like it’s on fire.

We can all read – the economic news is making it hard for us all to focus. Added to this, our businesses are tightening belts, we’re all impacted by layoffs (if not for ourselves, a team member or relative), and our investment portfolios are in the toilet.

You likely are feeling distracted – I get it, it’s hard to ignore what’s going on. So, here’s what an Actual does during this time: they turn chaos into calm. They’re not ignorant, they’re not tone deaf. They just know that the people who come out of crisis strong are the ones who bring focus and discipline to the process.

Here are five things you can do today to lead yourself and others through this challenging time:

1. Control the Message.  Be intentional how you’re framing the conversations you’re having with your team, your friends, and your family. Don’t lie but also don’t mislead. Acknowledge people’s fears and concerns, but focus on what you can control. When you’re at meetings, remind people of their mission, the organization’s vision, and values. Everyone still has a part to play – and we can’t let the bad news distract us from our purpose.
2. Start to Breathe with Intention.  When things start to feel heavy, close your eyes and listen to your breath for 1-2 minutes. Just breathing allows you to empty your mental garbage and recapture your clarity and focus. 
3. Remind Yourself that This is Temporary.  Our markets have gone haywire in the past.  We’ll settle down … we’ll find a new normal. It might take longer than we anticipate, but things will get better.
4. Build Habits that Allow You to Sustain Challenge. If you’re stress eating fried food, drinking more than you like, or binge watching tv, it’s likely you’re going to experience a setback. Commit to habits that preserve your mental, emotional, and spiritual habits – like walking, mindfulness, practicing gratitude, and healthy eating. It’ll make an amazing difference on your day-to-day.
5. Be Bigger than the News.  Remind yourself that headlines are supposed to grab your attention. They’re supposed to create a scenario where you’re peeled to the media channel so you can carry on with your doom scrolling. Don’t take the bait! Be bigger than the news – don’t let these outlets trick you into a false reality. Perhaps it’s time to take a media diet and focus on what information you allow yourself to consume. Be informed, but don’t be a prisoner. And certainly don’t infect others.

I’m a small business owner – I’m concerned, too. But as The Actual Angie, I’m reminding myself that I’ve still got a vision to fulfill, and this is yet an obstacle in my path. I’ll get around it, or I’ll get over it. When I get on the other side, I’ll be proud of all the work I did when things were hard so when things are easy (again) I’ll be able to come out stronger from the experience.