Dealing with complexity, uncertainty and chaos.
One thing I have learned is that you need to become good at dealing with complexity and chaos, because it is and always will be everywhere. The deeper you go into business, the more confusion and chaos there is. You really need to be good at simplifying things and understanding what is a signal that needs your attention and what is noise, that could potentially clutter and distract you from your success.
Being able to develop mental categories when you’re faced with chaos and confusion, is the first step to dealing with it. Once you understand what these categories are, you will be able to use them to sieve out all the unnecessary and focus on the necessary.
I have developed a ‘look though lens’ that you may be able to use when dealing with uncertainty, confusion and chaos in your life. Looking at situations in your life through this lens with help you simplify things, clearing out the clutter and will enable you to make more comprehensive and accurate decisions.
1. Accept
Accept that the world is unpredictable, uncontrollable, filled with complications, chaos and uncertainty. Unfortunately, as much as we wish it wasn’t, it always has been and always will be. Once you accept this, your world will change!
2. Time
Understanding that some of your schedules don’t leave much room for time to yourself or your own thoughts. One of the best pieces of advice I can give, is if you feel overwhelmed by a decision, situation, customer, document you need to write, or whatever ever it is, don’t react, don’t respond. Give it some time. You will find that if you respond or force yourself to do something right away, the outcome may not be what you wanted. Take a step back and shift your focus elsewhere.
3. Feel
Those who know will know that I 100% believe in feeling what you feel. Feel what you are feeling, think about what you are doing (not what you have to do next or wish you were doing). I truly experienced this a few months ago when I lost my job. I thought, what should I do now? What is wrong with me? Why me? And many other thoughts, but, one day sitting in bed, thinking about all that I had to try and do to start my own business and feeling very overwhelmed and confused, I realized that there was only one thing I needed to do right now, and that was to get out of bed and have shower (I realise it seems like a small task, but those matter most). In an instant, I recognized that if I could just be in each moment as it occurred my stress level went way down. That is what is called being mindful. It saved my sanity!
4. Say No
Easier said than done, I know. The amount of options and choices in front of us at any given moment is staggering. If you say “yes” to everything, you will be saying “no” to your peace of mind. So, maintain a “yes to life!” attitude while consciously choosing where you are willing to commit your energy and time (read that again!!)
5. Re-Frame
Re-frame your thoughts. Actions and emotions are the result of one’s thoughts, so the second a negative thought enters your mind, push it out and replace it with a positive one. How you see a problem may just be the problem, so by re-framing your thoughts you can see old challenges in a new light.
