Finding your life purpose in the triangle of uncertainty, chaos and worry about the future

Natural disasters, economic crisis, terrorist attacks, unavoidable natural phenomena and much more… In recent years, we have experienced many traumatic events, which, unfortunately, we continue to experience as a society. Uncertainty is one of the most difficult things for many of us to deal with at this time, when our worries and anxieties are on the rise, as well as our sadness and anger, and our dreams and goals for the future are all but losing their reality.

Ways to Cope with Anxiety About the Future: Why We Don’t Like Uncertainty

The attempt to continue our life in darkness requires endurance and patience. In fact, life itself is made up of uncertainty; however, we can take steps assuming our plans work when conditions remain the same. However, when a threat comes our way that we have never faced before, we can feel the effects of uncertainty more deeply. So, how can we stay strong in the face of uncertainty and chaos caused by the many negative impacts that situations such as natural disasters, pandemics, global crises, or social trauma can bring?

At times like these, if your heart is beating faster and you feel a surge of fear after every news item you see on social media or on TV, the first thing you should do is try to get away from the agenda. In order to keep abreast of the agenda, it is enough to take precautions against changing conditions, but at the same time, get rid of the feeling of being stuck created by this agenda, first of all:

• Get a reliable news source: To stay up to date, follow trusted sources that share verified information, not sources that might bother you with phrases like “last minute.”
• Step away from social media: Social media channels, where instant action is always flowing, can quickly draw you in and distract you from questions about the source of the news you receive. You can rethink your relationship with social media so you don’t get caught up in a wave of fear and panic.
• Take a break: Feeling fear, anxiety and tension during this period is quite normal, and even such a feeling may indicate that you are a sane and rational person. However, fearing the end of the world can be illogical.
• Deal with insecurity: We are all worried about our future. After you have calmed yourself and your loved ones, you need to let go of the situation a bit. In this way, you can get away from feelings of anxiety caused by insecurity.
• Be careful: Remember to get enough sleep, eat right and exercise regularly. Remember, the stronger your immune system, the less likely you are to get sick.
• To make a plan: You can also try to reduce the negative effects of uncertainty by ridding yourself of feelings of panic and planning for the future objectively. For example, planning what to do when you start to feel symptoms can give you peace of mind.

The disruption of our routine, the desire to satisfy the information hunger of our brain, which is always in search of answers, and the need to dominate the agenda make us spend more time on social networks; It can even make us end up on social media without even realizing it.

No matter how much you want to stay away from screens, you can unknowingly use your phone’s screen protector to be aware of it every time you pick up your phone. “Why now? Why?” You can try replacing it with an image with a caption

Our Brain Stories vs. the Fragility of Uncertainty

According to a study conducted to explore the relationship between uncertainty and stress, the state of uncertainty causes us more stress than the state of “absolute negativity.” In other words, situations in which we don’t know what will happen cause us more stress than situations in which we know things will turn out badly. While our brains are constantly trying to create stories to understand how the world works; The uncertainty that occurs when environmental conditions do not suit our story also negatively affects our mood.

This is the period when our minds are chasing new stories to eliminate uncertainty; At the same time, since this is the period when we most need information from outside, we are left with this vulnerability in social networks or at the beginning of the news. This is evidenced by the fact that people are more likely to follow the market during a crisis or that leaders are forced to make urgent decisions.

To overcome the fragility created by periods of uncertainty in a healthier way, we must first avoid thoughts and reasoning that will make us weak. But how?

• Try to understand your feelings by staying in the moment: When you start to worry, first observe how your body reacts. When you focus on your body, you can make it easier for you to stay in the moment and give your mind a break, which is trying to solve all problems at once.
• Reply instead of reacting: Decisions made in panic often lead to worse outcomes. In situations where you don’t know how to respond, increasing the time between stimulus and response can help you find the best solution. Before reacting, it is helpful to take a deep breath and assess the situation.
• Notice the “story” you’re telling yourself: Be aware of the story you are telling yourself and the words you choose to deal with uncertainty. Try to take a realistic but positive point of view rather than a negative story that will make you nervous.
• Focus on facts, not your feelings: When trying to craft a story that satisfies your mind, it’s best to focus on facts and verified information rather than emotions like fear. You can create a new story based on the facts of your life, the moment you are in, and the facts that don’t change even in the face of uncertainty. For example “I am alive, I breathe, I know that there are people around me who will support me…” like.
• Turn obstacles into opportunities: During this period when we do not leave the house, many companies that have switched to work from home have discovered digital solutions that they did not use before; could develop different methods of reconnecting with their customers. Remember that obstacles are actually opportunities for you to improve yourself.

Rediscovering Our Life Purpose Under Uncertainty

So how do we find the purpose of our lives in times like these?

best-seller”The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with Authentic PurposeAccording to Zach Mercurio, author of the book; It is at such moments that the risk of defining ourselves by what we do comes into play. Because when a global agenda such as a pandemic, unavoidable external factors, natural disasters, or events that can cause social trauma happen and we can’t do what we do, our self-esteem can disappear with it.

When our plans change out of control, when we go through traumatic events or experiences, the things that we think give meaning to our lives can change or disappear within weeks or months. However, we can also find long-term goals and objectives by asking ourselves the right questions during the period when we “stop” out of necessity.

“Besides what I have done, accomplished, produced, who am I? What is my real purpose?”

By asking yourself these questions, you can follow these methods to get the right answers.

1. Realize that what you are doing is just a means, not your end.

It is very important to understand that your goal is not “what you do”, but “contribute through what you do”. Your school, job, or volunteer activity is not the goal itself, but the tool you use to create that effect. The difference between what you do and the influence you want to create will dissolve the boundaries around your purpose, such as a job, role, or activity.

People who act in accordance with their goals focus not on what they do, but on the contribution they make; According to research, it also increases your energy, mood, health, and stamina.

2. Change your perspective and focus on finding meaning in the ordinary.

How can you turn the present moment into a more meaningful moment? Here is the question you should be asking yourself right now. Because the only thing that doesn’t change, even at the worst of times, is the ability to contribute.

The results of Zach Mercurio’s research on people’s experience of feeling “meaningful” in their work focuses on one point: the most extraordinary people are those who do ordinary things from an extraordinary point of view. On the other hand, research shows that your approach and perspective on what you’re doing affects your sense of “meaning” more than the work itself.

Every day you can ask yourself these questions: “How will what I’m doing now affect others?”

When you think about what you need to do, you may ask:How will this affect other people? What will become possible thanks to this? What impact will this have on me in the future?”

At the end of the day ask:What was the highlight of today? When did I feel the most purposeful?”

What we pay attention to is what we think about. And the things we think about reveal who we are.

3. Reimagine success.

According to research, people who set goals that are achievement-oriented are more likely to feel more tense, anxious, and overwhelmed for this very reason.

If you have a single-minded definition of success that you have developed through your work, it is quite possible that you will never feel successful, especially on the current agenda. Because in an environment where conditions change independently of you, it may not be possible to achieve your goals. Changing your definition of success at this stage can help you find your true purpose again. For example, there may be someone who needs you right now. Sometimes the mere presence is the epitome of success and purpose.

Resources:
Thrive all over the world
Brooke Taylor Coaching
Jonathan Alpert
Zach Mercurio

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