What's the difference between uncertainty and danger? The answer, in my experience, isn't just more data. It's easy to overwhelm ourselves with information. Instead, what's helpful in times of turbulence is for someone to show up and provide reassurance -
Someone like You!
This morning I received a message from my financial advisor. It felt like he was reading my mind:
"Hey Matthew, I bet you've been watching the news...." it began.
Short and sweet, it got directly to the matter.
"I wanted to remind you that we have safeguards in place..."
Just what I wanted to hear. I felt my shoulders relax.
"Here's exactly what you need to know..." with a specific direction.
Clarity - refreshing - with confidence.
"If you have any questions, here is my direct phone number," he wrapped up.
Perfect!
In the absence of knowledge, people make things up. Worries. Fears. Catastrophes. Your brain isn't good with uncertainty; it's wired to treat the unknown with caution, adrenaline, and eventually - anxiety. So when you face the unknown, you sometimes make things worse than they really are!
Which is why it's so helpful when someone shows up and helps us relax.
We navigate uncertainty every day. We do it so well, we hardly notice it. We walk, work, drive a car, attend an event, eat food, and travel the world: Uncertainty isn't always scary, but it's always there. But from time to time, the uncertainty gets bigger. Sometimes really big - like the last three years - or three days.
That's when we're grateful for people who show up and help us lower the stress. Provide us with insights. Interpret the data. Reframe the situation. Develop a plan. And sometimes just give us a hug.
Someone can do that for you.
YOU can do that for someone, too.
That's your job TODAY.
To reach out, like the email I received,
And lower the anxiety for someone that matters.
Be the one who says,
"You might be wondering…
... which is why I'm right here beside you!"
Who needs you?
Today needs YOU!