Stop & Wait for the Storm To Past

As we go through life, we will experience storms that will hit both our personal and professional lives. These storms may be mild to violent depending on the circumstances we find ourselves in. These storms often leave us with a feeling of uncertainty and the inability to think clearly in terms of what we should do as a next step.

In the past, I used to pivot and maneuver during a storm while trying to fight it directly as it was occurring, but I learned after years of trying this approach was not fruitful. Often, the storm we are in has many variables outside of our control such as divorce proceedings, co-worker difficulties or being laid off. These external variables sometimes need to run their course.

When we attempt to resolve things in the middle of the storm, we sometimes miss key facts. As a storm wages on, more damage or indecision may be created so it is best to wait until the end before acting. I am not saying not to protect or shield yourself accordingly during the storm, I am saying don't make any drastic moves while it is going on.

However, once the storm settles or you are at a good point where you have gained a great understanding of the storm (particularly if it is a long term one), I suggest you do the following in order to make the correct decision on how to successfully move forward.

• Step 1 - Be Still: This is key when you are still within a storm. Sometimes you need to let it run its course so that you can gain a full perspective of the situation. As you remain still, pay close attention to yourself and those around you. Often, people will exhibit their true colors in times of crisis and it’s important to know this before the next step.

• Step 2 – Take Inventory (Internal and External): Once things have settled down a bit or the storm is completely over, take an internal and external inventory of any damage that may have occurred. For some, internal damage may be anxiety, depression or a decreased sense of self worth related to a job. The external inventory can include your current environment, company layoffs or management turnover. By understanding your internal and external environment, you are laying the foundation for being able to develop a successful course of action which is the next step.

• Step 3 – Develop a Plan of Action: In developing a plan of action, you review your internal and external inventory of things you have identified to figure which ones are priorities for you and what is in your control to change. At times there will be things in your external environment that you cannot change such as management turnovers or layoffs, but you can control how you perceive these external events. Also, bear in mind that you should limit what you plan to do so that you do not get overwhelmed and can successfully complete the tasks you prioritized for yourself.

• Step 4 – Execute The Plan: Get started on your plan and do not get overwhelmed. Take your time and recognize some days you will make great gains in executing your plan and other days you will not have much forward momentum. The key is to keep progressing on your plan regardless of the speed in which you are reaching your goals.

• Step 5 – Revise/Iterate/Pivot: As you go forward executing your plan, you will have opportunities for improvement and things may not always go according to your plan, but bear in mind that is okay. The key is to recognize these things and change accordingly in order to get the desired results. The great thing about starting is that you will encounter great learning opportunities that will assist you along the path. At those times, pivot and lean into those learning opportunities for growth.

We all have storms that we face and some of the storms in our lives can be downright horrible. However, we must realize that storms do not last forever and we are capable of identifying and creating a plan that will allow us to get stronger. So, when you are in the middle of the storm, take shelter and let it calm down, then take action!

David Parker