Mental Strategies for Navigating Uncertainty in Business and Life

As we enter into 2023, there is a sense of uncertainty looming over the world with talks of bank failures, inflation, interest rate hikes, and rumors of a prolonged recession. In times like these, it's natural to feel anxious and overwhelmed. However, as trained professionals in existential psychology, we believe that it's possible to adopt mental strategies to navigate through uncertain times.

One such strategy is to ask ourselves, "What would Frankl do?" Viktor Frankl, a renowned existential psychologist, was a peak performer who took the initiative and accepted responsibility for his fate. Even as a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp, he recognized that he was free to decide how he would think and act in the midst of horror. This mental discipline made him stronger than the camp guards, and he inspired fellow prisoners and even some of the guards themselves.

The key takeaway from Frankl's approach is that proactive people operate in the realm of the possible. They see what they can do and take responsibility for their fate. They recognize that they have the freedom to determine the kind of character they will have, and they can decide how they will act. They may not be able to control their circumstances, but they can decide whether to use those circumstances or be abused by them.

To adopt this mindset, start by committing to change something interior. This could be as simple as taking time each day to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Recognize that your circumstances may be uncertain, but your response to those circumstances is entirely within your control.

As you become more proactive, you'll begin to see what you can do to expand the realm of the possible. You'll get stronger as time passes, and you'll become able to do more and more. Eventually, you may even change the world around you.

In summary, uncertainty can be challenging, but adopting a proactive mindset can help you navigate through it. By taking responsibility for your fate and committing to change something interior, you can expand the realm of the possible and become a peak performer like Frankl. Remember, "In choosing our response to circumstance, we powerfully affect our circumstance."