Steadying your Ship: How to Stay Strong and Thrive in Turbulent Times

Read the article on Substack.

They say the only constant is change… and that has certainly played out in full force these last several years. It’s no wonder we’re feeling worn down. Turbulence and uncertainty is rife - politically, economically, globally, and individually. And the hits keep on coming.

So, what can we do when it feels like so much is out of our hands?

Life often brings us into periods of “liminality”—those in-between spaces where the old ways no longer apply, but the new ways haven’t fully taken shape. These times are often uncomfortable, full of uncertainty, and sometimes overwhelming. They ask us to step up in ways we may never have needed to before.

Whether you're leading a team, guiding an organization, or “just” navigating turbulent and changing waters as a human being, there are ways to steady your ship and steer toward a positive future.

Here are four powerful practices to help you fortify yourself and those you lead, so you can stay focused, grow through the transition, and come out stronger on the other side.

1. Acknowledge Where You’re At

In our roles as leaders, team members, parents, or community members, we often feel pressured to keep a strong front, avoiding emotions like sadness, anger, or confusion. But research (and personal experience) shows that avoiding or suppressing our emotions actually makes us less effective (not to mention, less healthy) in the long run. Ignoring these feelings can build up like a bucket filling with water. If we don’t empty that bucket regularly, it will overflow, making a big old mess.

Try this: Instead of “white-knuckling” through challenges, try a mindful approach to processing emotions: acknowledge them, validate them, and see them as useful information. Here’s a simple way to “empty your bucket”:

1. Pause and Breathe: Take a few deep breaths and turn your attention inward.

2. Name Your Feelings: With gentle curiosity, identify any emotions present, such as “anxiety” or “sadness.”

3. Observe Without Fixing: Notice any impulse to “solve” or push them away, and just let the feelings be there.

4. Ask What You Need: From a compassionate place, consider what you need right now.

5. Take another Breath: Notice your energy now. What is different?

   
   

This quick 2 minute practice can be done anytime and often brings a sense of calm, helping you stay focused, present, and effective, no matter what the day brings.

2. Re-Anchor on Your Self: Know Your Values and Purpose

In times of change, our sense of stability often feels shaken. When the path ahead is unclear, go back to your foundation: what truly matters to you. Re-anchoring in your values—those core principles that define who you are and how you want to live—gives you a compass to navigate uncertainty.

Ask yourself: What do I want to stand for, even in challenging times? What purpose drives me, even when the road is unclear?

As a leader, clarify your organization’s values too, and help your team reconnect with them. Values and purpose act like guiding stars, grounding you and your team in something unchanging, even when everything else is shifting. They give you the strength to make decisions and face challenges, knowing you’re moving forward with integrity and meaning.

Try This:

Identify your top three values and write them down. Revisit them regularly. Ask your team members to do the same and create a shared vision around the values you collectively uphold.

3. Strengthen Your Connections: Build Trust and Community

When we’re navigating liminal periods, isolation is our enemy. Instead, focus on strengthening your connections—with your team, your organization, and your community. Uncertain times call for collaboration and mutual support, reminding us that we’re stronger together.

As a leader, this means creating space for open dialogue, where people feel safe to voice concerns, ideas, and solutions. Empathy is essential; listen to your team members and encourage them to lean on one another. By fostering a supportive and transparent environment, you create a collective resilience that helps everyone feel more grounded and motivated.

Model the behavior and values you want to see more of on your team.

Try This:

Start each week with a check-in with your team, not just on work projects but on how everyone is doing personally. A simple, "How are you holding up?" can go a long way.

Encourage mutual support and even small social moments that build team unity and trust.

4. Embrace Learning and Growth: Find Opportunities to Move Forward

Periods of change often force us out of our comfort zones, and while that can feel disorienting, it’s also a powerful opportunity for growth. Rather than waiting for the storm to pass, use it as a chance to learn, adapt, and improve. Think of this time as a “growth space” where you’re being called to develop new skills, explore fresh perspectives, and maybe even reimagine how you approach work and life.

As a leader, encourage your team to look for learning opportunities. Experiment, try new approaches, and be open to feedback. Let everyone know that it’s okay to make mistakes along the way—growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Embracing a mindset of curiosity and learning can help you turn uncertainty into a springboard for innovation and resilience.

Double down on positive reinforcement, looking for specific examples of behavior you appreciate. Focus on creating a psychologically safe and positive environment by:

1. Celebrating small wins (progress over perfection)

2. Treating mistakes as learning opportunities

3. Looking for opportunities to give positive feedback to individuals and the team as a whole. Be specific! This not only builds positivity and psychological safety, but also reinforces and grows the behavior you want to see more of. (What you appreciate appreciates!)

   
   

Try This:

Build a team practice of identifying and celebrating small wins on a regular basis (eg in a daily stand-up meeting, or at the end of the week). Invite people to share their wins, and publicly appreciate those of others.

Hold regular team “retros” that review collectively:

(a) What is working well

(b) What can be celebrated

(c) What we learned

(d) What can be improved

On a personal level, list out three personal successes at the end of each day before bed. This helps build more positivity and reduce stress.

Staying the Course in Times of Change

Turbulent times challenge us, yes, but they can also open doors to profound personal and professional growth. Some of the most challenging times in my personal and professional life have led to the greatest growth and transformation.

How about you?

Think back to a time when you overcame a challenge…

How were you feeling at the time?

Did you think you could do it?

What strengths did you lean into?

What do you know about yourself now?

How have you grown as a result?

Change is uncomfortable by definition. But it’s how we grow - individually and collectively. We might not have a choice about the circumstances but we always have a choice as to how we respond.

When the future feels hazy, remind yourself that you don’t need to have all the answers right away. Staying anchored in your values, connected to others, and open to growth will help you stay the course. Eventually every storm passes, and we get through to the other side with a new understanding of what we are capable of.

What’s one step that will move you forward today?