Who's in the Hot Seat?
Coaching Client:
Harris, Communications VP with a social media platform
Coaching Challenge:
Harris is feeling anxious about the recent lay-offs at his company. He is having a hard time concentrating and is not his usual productive self. He is finding it hard to be the leader his team needs while worrying about his own livelihood.
How He Lowered Anxiousness
During coaching, Harris learned to stabilize his emotions and catastrophizing thoughts. He:
Focused on what he could control: Harris asked himself what he could do to make the situation better, and then focused on those things instead of what he couldn't control.
Cultivated gratitude: Gratitude helped him shift his focus from what he didn't have to what he did have. Harris took time each day to reflect on the things in his life that he was thankful for, no matter how small they seemed. This helped him maintain a positive outlook even in the face of uncertainty.
Practiced mindfulness: Harris began a practice of mindfulness that helped him stay present in the moment and avoid getting caught up in his worries about the future. e took a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation, focused on his breath, and allowed himself to be present in the moment.
Connected with others: Harris reached out to his friends and family for support. He recognized how helpful it was not to face the uncertainty alone.
Took care of himself: Harris focused on taking better care of himself. He improved his sleep strategies, joined a nutritious meal delivery plan, and started cycling again. Taking care of himself boosted his energy and he noticed he felt more resilient.
Did You Know?
Stabilizing Yourself During Uncertainty
It's important to remember that uncertainty is a natural part of life. It's impossible to know everything that's going to happen, and that's okay. When you approach uncertainty with an open mind, you open yourself up to new possibilities and experiences.
Another key to managing times of uncertainty is to stay grounded in your values and beliefs. When everything around us is in flux, it can be tempting to lose sight of what's truly important. Make sure to take time to reflect on what matters most to you and hold on to those things during tough times. This can provide a sense of stability and direction, even when the world around you is in turmoil.
It's also important to maintain a healthy balance between taking action and allowing things to unfold naturally. While it's important to have a plan and take proactive steps, it's also important to know when to step back and let things unfold. Trust in the process and have faith that things will work out in the end.
Finally, don't forget to take care of yourself. During stressful and challenging times, it's important to prioritize self-care and mental health. Make time for the things that bring you joy, whether it's reading a book, taking a walk, or spending time with loved ones.