Do you feel like we’re living in end times? With the pandemic, the election chaos, and the recent riots, it’s easy to feel like the world is falling apart. Depression and anxiety levels are soaring, relationships are suffering, and negativity is everywhere you look. While you don’t have control over what’s happening in the world right now, you do have control over how you react to it. This control is the key to regaining your balance, reframing what’s happening around you, and finding a way to move forward with strength and optimism. Here are a few tips that can help.
Stay Calm
Staying calm during turbulent times like these is not easy. However, when you develop emotional agility, you’re much more likely to be able to pivot, change expectations, and roll with what seems like new challenges every day. Staying flexible and calm is easier when you avoid watching or reading the news, focus on self-care, and have a reliable stress-reduction practice such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Putting the situation in perspective also helps. I refer to the pandemic as the “apocalypse du jour.” The chaos it’s causing is no different from the chaos caused by Brexit, the housing crisis, or the bursting of the dot.com bubble. This is not the first apocalypse we’ve faced and it certainly won’t be the last. When you think of it that way, it’s much easier to stay calm and get through this latest challenge.
Surround Yourself with Good People
We all know that when we’re around people who are complaining about politics, judging others for wearing (or not wearing) masks, or otherwise being negative, it drains us. When chaos hits, it’s more important than ever to surround yourself with those who are positive, supportive, and make you feel better about life. While there may be some negative individuals you can’t completely cut ties with, you can at least limit the amount of time you spend with them in favor of being around those who are upbeat and have the right mindset. Now is also an excellent time to seek out mentors or business coaches who can challenge you to see things in a new way and push yourself to be better.
Work with Professionals Who Put You First
The state of the world has affected many people’s financial portfolios and many worry that the pandemic is a retirement killer. The best way to combat these fears is to work with a fiduciary who puts your best interests first and will help you avoid emotional decisions that could wreck your financial future. A fiduciary is different than a commissioned financial planner who makes money off what he or she sells you. Fiduciaries are fee-only, which means they charge a set amount and focus on helping you make financial decisions that are best for your unique situation. This removes any conflict of interest and gives you peace of mind that your advisor has your back and is only recommending what is in your best interest.
Feeling like 2020 has changed everything? You’re certainly not alone. This has been a tough year for almost everyone, but it’s still possible to move forward with optimism when you control your reactions and stay calm. Want to chat more about working with a fiduciary who can help you navigate your changing finances? Please reach out. I’d love to help!