Trusting Your True North in Uncertain Times

When things slow down or we feel uncertain, as is typical with uncertain times like those we are currently experiencing, the first thing people often do is start to question themselves or what they are doing.  "I'm doing all the right things, why isn't my business growing?  Maybe I just better go get a job,"  I hear small business owners say.  "Perhaps this isn't the direction I am supposed to go in," is another common comment that often finds its way into coaching sessions.

Truth has its own timing.  When you are in alignment with your own True North, you may find that the circumstances you desire take time to show up.  So what do you do while things are getting in the "right" position for you to step into or new doors to open?

Be patient, but don't just wait around.  In my 30+ years of being self employed, the greatest thing I found to help bind my anxiety was "Action ceases panic."  I would make a list of the things I wanted and was working towards, and then I would brainstorm all the small and large actions I could take to help bring them into the world.  That list often included:  networking in new areas or with new groups of people, learning a new skill that would help me be a better consultant and leader, or offering my services to people or companies who could not afford them.  These activities often got me additional visibility and new connections.

But there was one additional thing that I did to keep myself focused and aligned.  I would sit down, close my eyes and ask the universe to show me what was the next thing I was supposed to do.  This simple, but potent act, helped me to reconnect to my own True North and also restored my faith and reminded me that the universe was always acting on my behalf.  I simply needed to trust that fact and keep focused on my goal(s).  

What do you do when you are feeling uncertain? See if you don't have a set of tips you can share with others too - email them to your colleagues and friends, you can bet they will be happy to get them!