Manage Your Mindset in Times of Uncertainty

I read a meme last weekend that said, “I’m either coming out of this quarantine 20 lbs lighter, chakras balanced and a house full of completed craft projects….

OR….20 lbs heavier with a drinking problem.”.

All joking aside, this can be a hard time for everyone, no matter your situation or resources. We all handle things differently, and while some people may thrive with the extra time and slower pace, others actually may have more on their plate. Between working from home (or worrying about job security), taking care of children, and making sure schooling is taken care of, just the mere task of getting food on the table can be too much. 

Living in a transitional state happens many times in our lives. For students, after graduation can be a time of adjusting expectations and learning new personal and professional skills; for some, a change in relationship status can signal a liminal place; for others, a move, loss or financial change throws us off balance and can cause us to question our goals and future direction. 

Through this time, there are three things that will keep you moving forward:

You do not have to be productive

To everything there is a season and each period has its place. There are times to move and times to rest. Give yourself permission to do what’s best for your physical and mental state one day at a time instead of pushing yourself. Don’t get me wrong - there are times to push! And I am sure my blog may contribute to the productivity dilemma at times. 

You can adjust your expectations

I went into this thinking that I would organize our closets, finally put together baby books and get ahead on my work projects. The reality is, some days I can barely get through the bare minimum. Managing children, pandemic uncertainty, work and the day to day can be more than enough. Give up the comparison to others, and stop beating yourself up about everything (see #1!). 

You can adopt  a growth mindset

By adopting a growth mindset and acknowledging that you are not stuck in this place forever, you will be able to move forward and accept this period for what it is. And that may be different for everyone! During times of ambiguity, it’s easy to think we will be in this liminal state forever and it is common to not see a clear path forward. I have definitely been there. 

And most of all, what I have learned is that it’s okay to give yourself a break. It’s essential, actually.