Doing What's in Front of You When the World Feels Like It's on Fire
There’s something uniquely disorienting about trying to focus on everyday work when the world outside feels like it’s unraveling. Whether it’s political chaos, global uncertainty, or personal upheaval, the weight of it all can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. Even writing this article, for example!
I know I’m not alone in this. Maybe you’ve felt it too—the way fear, insecurity, and uncertainty make it hard to focus, hard to move, hard to just do the next right thing.
Honestly, I’m feeling all of this right now. The anxiety, the unease, the frustration of trying to stay present when everything in my body is telling me to brace for impact. It’s exhausting. Some days, I catch myself staring at my to-do list, unable to take the first step because my mind is stuck in a loop of "what-ifs" and worst-case scenarios.
Chaos tricks us into believing we need to solve everything right now. It's a life-sucking trap! The belief that we need to consume every headline, analyze every outcome, and brace for every possible scenario. Our nervous system goes into overdrive, and suddenly, answering an email or writing a newsletter feels absurdly difficult. Because what’s the point when everything else feels so urgent?
But here’s the truth: What’s in front of you is real. The present moment is the only thing you can actually influence. And the discipline of doing what’s in front of you—despite the noise, despite the fear—is an act of defiance against chaos.
This is something recovery teaches us. One day at a time. One action at a time. One breath at a time.
You don’t have to solve the world’s problems today. You don’t have to predict the future. You don’t have to have it all figured out. But you can take a step forward, however small. You can answer that one email. You can finish that one project. You can take care of your mind, your body, your people, and your purpose.
That’s what leadership looks like when the world feels unstable—not checking out, not drowning in fear, but staying present, staying engaged, and doing what’s in front of you.
So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or paralyzed today, ask yourself:
What’s the one thing I can do right now?
Then do that.
And let that be enough.
How to Cultivate This Mindset
If this feels easier said than done, you're not alone. The ability to stay grounded when chaos erupts is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Here are a few techniques that can help:
- Limit Your Input: If doomscrolling (or nurturing a new relationship with your TV remote) is making you feel worse, take a break. Set boundaries around how much news you consume and when.
- Ground Yourself in Routine: Even in times of upheaval, small routines can anchor you. Start your day with a simple habit—drinking a glass of water, writing a list, stretching.
- Break It Down: Overwhelm thrives in ambiguity. When everything feels like too much, break tasks down into micro-steps. You don’t need to write the whole report—just start with a sentence.
- Move Your Body: Physical movement helps regulate the nervous system. A walk, deep breathing, or stretching can shift your mental state and help you refocus.
- Connect with Others: You are not alone in this. Reach out to a friend, mentor, or community that can remind you that you’re not carrying this burden by yourself.
Final Thoughts
In times of uncertainty, the temptation to freeze or get lost in worry is strong. But true leadership—whether in business, recovery, or personal life—is built on the ability to keep showing up, even when things feel unstable.
So today, take a deep breath. Look at what’s in front of you. Do the next right thing. And trust that it’s enough for now.
