Navigating Uncertainty
As I write this, the world is a very different place than it was just a week ago—and is changing rapidly. First and foremost, we are all navigating an unprecedented health crisis and must prioritize taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. Yet it’s impossible to ignore the formidable financial crisis—the impact of which is unquantifiable at this time.
Right now, most of you probably feel as though you’re drinking from a firehose, trying to balance communications with clients and process an abundance of information from your firm and the media.
And we’re certainly feeling the same way.
Advisors that we’ve been talking with over the past week are walking through these times with courage and compassion, but also wondering about their own business lives going forward. Here’s what we tell them:
- Don’t let fear drive your decisions—be thoughtful, measured and prudent.
- Don’t lose sight of the goals you set for yourself—timing may be the only thing that ultimately needs to shift.
- Remain big picture focused—in the wake of a crisis, it’s even more important to keep your eye on the prize and continue making decisions with the endgame in mind.
- Use this time to view your firm through the lens of being a good partner—ensuring that you have the support, platform and freedom that allows you to best serve your clients.
- And, while uncertainty and instability are the watchwords for now, remember this, too, shall pass.
At a time like this, when you are expected to be a professional cheerleader for clients and staff, and likely forced to ignore your own feelings of fear and anxiety, you might be left depleted and exhausted. I know, because I am the “cheerleader in chief” at Diamond Consultants.
So it is equally important that you be observant of your feelings, taking good care of your mental well-being as well as your physical health—and acknowledge the impact the stress may be having on you.
For me, I find healing moments in those things that center me: Taking breaks often. Going for walks. Meditating. Talking with my family. And being fully present in every conversation I have.
And while there’s much going on that we can’t control, there’s much that we can. That is, our attitudes, our responses and the decisions we make. So let’s move through this together, staying healthy and well.
