Let’s be honest, economic uncertainty is in the air again. You can feel it in the headlines, in the conversations at the gym, and even in the slower buzz around town. The global recession term is being thrown around more frequently.
Tariffs are on; tariffs are off. Tariffs are back on. Then back on pause. In the back of our minds we wonder, is our government schmoozing enough to get us in the good books?
So how do you stay steady in the storm? How do you mentally and emotionally guard yourself when the world starts shifting again?
Here’s how smart, grounded people anchor themselves for whatever comes next:
Anchor Yourself First
This doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine or stuffing down worry. It means pausing long enough to ask:
• What am I actually in control of right now?
• Where is my attention going? Future what-ifs, or present priorities?
• How am I really feeling about this right now?
• What would leadership look like if I was calm and clear?
Anchoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about reconnecting with what’s true and steady: your values, your purpose, your next steps.
It also means teaching yourself to be OK with some uncertainty. Too much need for certainty is the recipe for anxiety.
Practice being OK with not having all the answers or allowing yourself to ruminate in the problem solving and trying to predict the outcomes.
Get Lean, Not Mean
This is a perfect time to review your energy and mental bandwidth through the lens of clarity, not fear.
"Lean" doesn’t mean cutting everything out. It means focusing your time, energy, and money where they make the biggest difference.
What’s working that you can double down on?
What’s draining you with little return? This is what you need to STOP doing immediately.
Are there subscriptions, services, or habits that are not really serving you any longer?
Getting lean helps protect your energy. And energy is your most vital currency right now.
Strengthen in Community, Don’t Isolate or seek Lone Wolf activities
It’s tempting to retreat into isolation when the economy gets shaky. But don’t underestimate the power of staying connected.
Some of the best moments come from:
• A casual chat at the Saturday market.
• A quick message of encouragement to another person.
• Trying a new activity or meeting a new group.
This is the season to collaborate with your circles. When communities stick together, everyone wins. Especially when the need for trust is high and wallets are tight.
Guard Your Mental Bandwidth
Your life doesn’t need a new “hack”, it needs you at your best.
Protecting your mental energy and bandwidth might look like:
• Saying no to things and people that drain you.
• Putting boundaries on news and social media intake.
• Making space for stillness, even 10 minutes between meetings or before bed. No phone. No others. No books. No problems to solve. Just space.
You’re the engine of your life. Don’t run it into the ground reacting to fear.
Hard times come and go. But your ability to lead yourself first — with calm, clarity, and connection — is what determines whether you can weather the storm vs. gets tossed or even capsized by it.
So get outside. Reconnect with what’s healthy or restorative for you. Talk to your close people. Focus on what matters.
And remember, you are not in this alone.
Chris Wilkinson is a local business coach, speaker, and columnist who helps growth-minded entrepreneurs create more clarity, confidence, and lifestyle freedom — both in business and in life. You can learn more by emailing [email protected]
