VUCA-ability

“Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.”
― Tony Schwartz

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VUCA – Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, Ambiguous. These are the times of the present. Lives are and have been turned upside down. How is your life right now?

VUCA-ability is a mindset. It is a return to routine when life all around you is chaotic. Make a point of collecting your thoughts and assessing the moment you are in right now. What part of your life is stable? Identify it.

If most things are changing identify the things that are staying the same. Focus on what you do have and what is the same. Take a deep breath.

Slow things down. When things are changing quickly it is easy to get overwhelmed. Write down the things that you need to focus on. Get a list and prioritize the list. Focus on the most important “one” thing. Yes, there are a multitude of things that need to get done, but only one thing needs your focus.

Clarity, get clear on what is important. Ambiguity is the sign of the times. Things are changing from moment to moment and it is hard at times to figure out what the right choice should be. Pause, analyze and then decide. Do you have enough information? Is the information likely to change? Do I need to act on it right away? Get clear before acting.

Acting out of fear will likely lead you down the wrong path. Ask yourself “what am I afraid of?” Is it true? Do you know if the fear is founded on fact? Do you have the facts? How do you know? Take a deep breath and collect your thoughts. Talk to someone you know and trust. What are their thoughts? Give yourself some time to think about the issue.

Ask yourself some questions.

1. What do I need in this moment?
2. Who has the information I need?
3. What actions are required of me?
4. What am I preparing for?
5. What is realistic in this moment?
6. What is most important right now?
7. What can I do that will matter now?
8. Who can I help?
9. Who can help me?
10. What am I going to do next?

Pause, slow down, reflect. Look forward. Look back. Calmly put yourself into the present moment. Take a deep breath. Take appropriate action.