Remaining Resilient in Uncertainty: 5 Strategies to Reclaim Your Power When Life Feels Shaky

Let’s be honest—uncertainty isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s exhausting. Whether you’re navigating personal change, professional instability, or the collective chaos of the world around you, it’s easy to feel like the ground beneath your feet is shifting faster than you can regain your balance. If you are in that situation, I want you to hear this: You are not powerless.

Resilience isn't something you are born with or without; it’s a skill you can cultivate—a mindset you can adopt. In times of uncertainty, resilience becomes your anchor, reminding you that you can still choose who you are and how you present yourself, even when circumstances are beyond your control.

Here are five strategies that I find helpful when life is filled with uncertainties to help me regain my center.

Focus on What You Can Control

When life feels out of control, our instinct is often to try to tighten our grip. But the truth is that real peace comes from loosening that grip and redirecting your energy toward what is within your reach. You can’t always control the outcome, but you can control your reaction. You can choose how you start your morning, how you treat yourself when things go wrong, and who you allow to speak into your life.

Consider this: Draw two circles—one representing what’s in your control and the other what’s not. Fill them in truthfully. Next, commit to engaging with the aspects inside your circle with intention and consistency. That’s where your true power lies.

Practice Mindfulness

When life's noise becomes overwhelming, mindfulness helps you lower the volume. It brings you back to the present—not yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s worries but the moment you feel safe and grounded.

You don’t need to retreat to a mountain cabin to practice mindfulness. It can be a quiet moment with your coffee, appreciating the warmth in your hands. It can be five deep breaths before a difficult conversation. It can be journaling your feelings without judgment, only with curiosity. The more you focus on your breath, body, and senses, the more prepared you are to respond rather than react.

Maintain a Support Network

Resilience isn’t a solo sport. One of the most significant things you can do in uncertain times is to lean on others—not because you’re weak but wise. Who in your life makes you feel safe, seen, and supported? Those are the people to keep close.

Connection reminds us that we aren't alone in our struggles. It provides perspective when our own is clouded. Sometimes, simply saying, “I don’t have it all figured out,” is enough to open the door to healing. So text your friend. Call your mentor. Join the group. Vulnerability is the bridge that leads to deeper strength.

Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Let’s be clear—this isn’t about ignoring difficult situations or pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. This is about choosing the perspective through which you view your life. It’s about asking, “What’s possible here?” instead of, “Why is this happening to me?”

The brain is wired to scan for threats, but we can train it to seek opportunities. Start small. Replace “I can’t handle this” with “I’m doing the best I can today.” Maintain a list of moments when you’ve overcome challenges you once thought would break you. Those victories aren’t accidents—they’re evidence of your resilience. Let them remind you that you’ve prevailed before, and you will again.

Set Small, Achievable Goals

When everything feels overwhelming, start small. Set a manageable goal that seems almost silly, like making your bed, drinking a glass of water, or writing down three things you’re grateful for. These small victories create momentum, which builds confidence.

Resilience isn’t built through giant leaps but one intentional step at a time. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Every time you honor a promise to yourself, no matter how small, you strengthen your belief in your ability to trust yourself. That belief? It has the power to transform everything. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Uncertainty is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to define your life. It’s perfectly okay to feel unsettled; you can still choose to embrace peace. You can feel fear and yet take bold steps forward. Remember, resilience isn’t about being absent of struggle—it’s about the courageous choice to show up anyway and keep moving forward.

If any part of this message resonated with you, I invite you to try one of these strategies this week. Notice how it feels to reclaim even a small portion of your power. And if you’re ready for more significant support, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on that journey.

Love and BIG Belief,

Terri Schafer

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If you have been considering a coaching partnership to enhance your resilience, navigate changes, make choices aligned with your values, or find a committed partner to help create the life you envision, I invite you to reach out and schedule a complimentary discovery call today.

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