Mindset Shifts to Help You Through Uncertain Times

Resilience isn’t about never facing challenges; it’s about how you respond to them.

Oftentimes, we think that in order to stay resilient through times of change, we need to fall prey to the "always on" mentality, working around the clock and saying yes to every task that comes our way. However, we’ve seen from research that working without boundaries and not taking any time to slow down only leads to exhaustion and burnout. And in order to be able to manage stress, we need to allow ourselves to reset and recharge, especially during difficult times.

If you’re navigating through a time of change or uncertainty, try these mindset shifts to help you protect your well-being and stay resilient:

Instead of, “I need to be working my hardest at all times,” remind yourself: “I’m at my best when I take time to rest.”

It may be tempting to work hard all of the time, but working relentlessly without breaks can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Studies show that incorporating regular breaks and periods of rest into your routine can significantly boost your overall well-being and work performance. Instead of pushing yourself to the limit, embrace the idea that taking time to rest makes you more effective and efficient in the long run.

Instead of, “I have to say yes to everything to prove myself,” tell yourself: “Saying no to certain tasks frees me up to do my best work.”

If you’re a people pleaser or a perfectionist, you may have trouble saying no to certain opportunities, but the truth is, doing so allows you to focus on what truly matters without spreading yourself too thin. It’s important to recognize that declining certain tasks, meetings or opportunities isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather it’s a way to protect your time and energy for the most important work. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your manager for help determining what you can deprioritize.

Instead of, “I must control everything in order to succeed,” try thinking: “I can adapt to changes and still achieve my goals.”

In times of uncertainty, trying to gain control over every detail of the situation can lead to stress and overwhelm. Instead, try focusing on being adaptable and flexible. Embracing change can be a powerful learning experience, and accepting that you can’t control everything will help you adapt to your new circumstances without stressing yourself out.