Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop: Transitioning from Chaos to Calm
If you’ve been following our blog, you know that I’ve been living in a VUCA world for the last year and a half. VUCA—Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous—is the perfect acronym to describe the whirlwind of unpredictability I experienced. My return to the US from Brazil has brought an unexpected sense of calm. I’m no longer under constant stress; I can think clearly and focus. However, as I start making significant life decisions, like figuring out where to live, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. This feeling is common when emerging from a VUCA storm. Being in crisis mode becomes such an automatic response that our minds struggle to adapt to a newfound sense of stability.
Here are three signs that your mind hasn’t caught up with your new, calmer reality, and how you can shift your mindset to recognize what's happening and stay in a more normal, productive state.
Persistent Anxiety About Future Uncertainty
Sign: Despite the calm, you find yourself constantly anxious about potential negative outcomes.
Shift: Reframe Your Thinking
⭐Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises to stay present. When you catch your mind spiraling into "what if" scenarios, gently bring your focus back to the here and now. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through this process. Taking a walk is another thing that works for me.
⭐Cognitive Reappraisal: Actively reinterpret negative scenarios. Instead of thinking, "What if everything goes wrong?" ask yourself, "What if everything goes right?" This subtle shift can have a profound impact on your mental state.
Inability to Enjoy the Present
Sign: You find it difficult to enjoy your current stability and happiness because you're waiting for something to go wrong.
Shift: Practice Gratitude
⭐Daily Gratitude Journaling: Spend five minutes each morning or evening thinking about or writing down three things you’re grateful for. This can help train your brain to focus on the positives rather than anticipating negatives.
⭐Celebrate Small Wins: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate even the small victories in your day. This can help build a positive feedback loop and reinforce a sense of accomplishment and contentment.
Overplanning and Overworking
Sign: You over plan and overwork as a way to control your environment and mitigate potential crises.
Shift: Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care
⭐Limit Your To-Do List: Focus on 3-5 important tasks each day rather than trying to do everything at once. This prioritization helps prevent burnout and keeps you from slipping back into crisis mode.
⭐Schedule Downtime: Treat your downtime with the same importance as work meetings. Schedule breaks, leisure activities, and time with loved ones. This balance is crucial for long-term productivity and mental health.
Conclusion
Transitioning from a VUCA environment to a stable one is a process that requires conscious effort. Recognize the signs that your mind is still in crisis mode, and take deliberate steps to shift your mindset. By reframing your thinking, practicing gratitude, and setting healthy boundaries, you can fully embrace your new reality and thrive in a state of calm and focus. Remember, the other shoe doesn’t have to drop, and you have the power to create a new, balanced norm for yourself.