Navigating the Unexpected

How do you navigate change when the waters turn murky and the path forward shifts without warning? You’re more in control than you think.

Clients, colleagues, and friends are adjusting to unexpected changes impacting their lives in immediate and unpredictable ways. If you enjoy life long enough, this is part of the journey. I have been there many times.

I used to believe I had no control over this. Now, I know how I think about these challenges will either slow or speed the arrival of my next opportunity.

With time and intention, we add skills, resources, and different ways of thinking to our toolbox. These skills help you process situations with grace, self-love, and determination. Know that on the other side of uncertainty are opportunities and new beginnings. Keep moving forward.

As Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson says, “We learn to deal with hard better.”

When you find yourself navigating change, drop these two skills into your mental toolbox to guide you to your next opportunity:

Look through the lens of possibility. Revisit your past experiences, capture your milestone moments, and turning points. Look with an eye on the lessons and skills you extracted from both the good and the grind. Write down each skill you gained. What happened, and what skills translate to your next chapter? (Resilience, calm in crisis, project management?)

Adjust your perspective, not focused on an industry, company, or employer. Note all you gained that is useful and sets you apart - communication, problem solving, team leadership, or something else? Craft your unique founder story (Read more on this here.), meaning your foundation story, whether you’re entering a new job, career, or launching a business. Tell your story of inspiration and growth. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, overcome, and learned.

Adopt “yes, and…” thinking, create a path forward. Acknowledge that things aren’t great, recognize you’re in the midst of sadness or challenges, AND that you can take one step forward. Don’t stop at rehashing circumstances; add the “and” to finish with what’s next: And, I can call a friend for help, write the email, brainstorm ideas, or rest. It’s a subtle shift that makes a big difference. You’re not dwelling on the situation; you open a way forward. Catch yourself next time you’re tempted to stop at the crisis thinking, add the “and” to see how it pulls you forward.

This isn’t the time to shrink. Stay the course, be proactive with what’s in your sights that inspires and elevates your thinking. Learning to navigate the unexpected will lead to your next vibrant chapter.

Unplug to Uplevel

I used to never take a vacation without bringing work.

I held tight to the self-imposed thought that only I could keep things together and make all the decisions - nothing could wait for my return. 

After many years, I realized that my unwillingness to prepare and delegate was the source of the problem. No gold star exists for working 80 hours a week, and customers don't buy because you're a workaholic. Ultimately, you burn out, and your quality of work suffers. None of these things lead to the fulfillment, impact, and joy you desire. 

British Virgin islands (BVI)

Fortunately, I learned things could change when I decided to think differently. 

Awareness is the first step to unwinding this spiral. Take the time to zoom out and reflect on your actions and perspective. You know where you’re holding on too tight. How can you invite more flow and flexibility into the process? Part of leadership (even if you’re a one-person band) is setting priorities and knowing what and when to let go. 

If you’re a solopreneur, commit to preparing in advance: create your timeline, plan any content to post or send while you’re gone (or decide it can wait until you return), and notify key clients of your travel schedule. Set your email to “out of office” and enjoy the time away with family and friends or in joyful solitude. 

If you manage a team, maintaining control while you’re on vacation signals a lack of confidence in their abilities. Instead, give your team a chance to take the wheel and make decisions (they may appreciate you much more when you come back!). Set expectations and discuss potential scenarios. When you return, talk with them to see what worked and what didn’t. This is an excellent opportunity for individual growth, identifying future leaders, and addressing any knowledge or training gaps.

I know now that quality refresh and recharge time fuels my energy, boosts creative ideas, and leads to peace of mind and greater business success. 

Taking time off isn’t a nice thing to do; it’s an investment in your future.