Everyone goes through moments where you feel stressed out and a little confused about that next step. Imagine for a moment, you realize you're sitting at your desk, in your car, just some random location, and you have that weird "pit in your stomach" because something just doesn't feel right. I'd say we've all been there at least a time or two before. I was having one of those moments not too long ago, so I started writing down some thoughts on how I work through that moment, and find a new way to be reinvigorated to take that next step. Below are a few of those thoughts. I hope they help in those moments.
1) Remember that there's always another tomorrow: The challenge of the day is that sometimes the weight feels overly oppressive. Maybe it is. The reality, however, is that there's going to be a tomorrow. Let today be, embrace the fact that things feel off, but don't let it consume you. You have an opportunity to shut the door on those things today, and start over tomorrow.
2) Life is too short: When I find myself sitting in those moments of uncertainty, I find that perspective helps out more than almost anything else. The situation I'm experiencing is almost always more self-imposed than anything else. Why? Because I'm the one choosing to let it bother me. Further, chances are good that the situation isn't bothering the 'other people' nearly as much as it's bothering me - if at all. Basically, don't give the situation that much power over your life.
3) If it's confusing, it needs a plan: The quickest path to my feeling as though everything is out of control is when I realize I don't have a path to follow. So, I make a path. First thing, get the thoughts out of your head. Put them on paper. Own them. Make them stand out. Then take charge of what's on the paper. Reorganize your thoughts to something that makes sense. If you don't know what that next step is, try writing down what you want the outcome to be, then figure out the steps to get there. In essence, if things seem confusing and overwhelming, do what you can to organize the junk into something you can manage - then manage it.
4) You don't have to win today: A simple reminder I give myself is that if it wasn't a challenge, it probably isn't worth doing. To that end, I often remind myself that I'm in this for the long run. If today is confusing, it's okay to let it go for the day, and fight the better fight tomorrow. Sleep it off, clear your head, walk away from the problem. When you come back to it, you'll have new insight, new motivation, if nothing else, maybe a new cup of coffee and who can argue with that?
If I can finish this with a final thought, let it be this. Anyone who claims to have it all figured out is lying to you and to themselves. There's nothing wrong with admitting that you don't have it all figured out, that you don't have it all together, that you don't have everything necessary to make it look smooth and polished. That's okay. Welcome to the club. That's why we're here for each other. If we don't have it all together, at least we can all be together in the process. It's okay to take a moment, breathe, and lean into your network.
Here's to a clearer tomorrow. Or more coffee.
Justin