Feeling Uneasy About Your Future?

"Chaos in the world brings uneasiness, but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth."

-Tom Barrett

Have you ever felt uneasy because of upcoming changes on the horizon? On one hand, you are told that change is good and to embrace it. Yet deep down, you feel a weight of anxiety that keeps you questioning the future. I think we've all been there.

How can we show genuine appreciation when we don't feel safe?

Let's discuss.

Psychological Safety

In general, we feel less stress when we feel psychologically safe. Psychological safety, created through consistent appreciation, enables us to tackle challenging tasks without fear of harsh judgment or criticism. This safety net encourages innovation and calculated risk-taking. Not only is it essential for problem-solving and creativity, but it also boosts our confidence to take action.

Feeling Valued

Feeling valued stretches across all roles in our daily lives. When we feel valued, we are freed from the mental burden of questioning our worth or standing within our homes, an organization, and society. This liberation of mental energy allows us to fully engage in demanding tasks rather than spending precious cognitive resources on our insecurities. In other words, we are more productive and engaged when we feel valued.

Genuine Appreciation

Genuine appreciation is acknowledging the what and why something or someone matters. This is a difficult task if not practiced consistently. As for the bigger concerns like:

• What will my future look like?

• What will my family's future look like?

• What will my career look like? etc.

These concerns are built to protect us but not to hinder our abilities. To counter, set a pattern to focus on the things already in place and the positive outcomes. This will help counter the mental anguish and strengthen our ability to feel grateful in uncertain times.

Example:

• Today is a great day, and tomorrow will be even better.

• I'll see to it that my family is healthy and happy.

• As long as I keep growing, so will my career.

Establish The Foundation

There are many events in life that you cannot predict or control. Showing gratitude is the practice that will get you through the nuances of life. Establishing your foundation is a self-serving practice. When we consistently recognize how we are safe and value those ways, the capacity to feel valued and receive resolve increases. More importantly, it helps deal with those times when we feel uneasy.