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Subject: let’s talk about these “uncertain times”
Is it just me, or are people acting a teensy bit weird right now?
Everywhere I turn, people are talking about these “uncertain times.”
It’s become a new diagnosis, a label you can slap on a problem you don’t understand, an excuse to say “not right now” when something feels important but risky.
“Maybe we shouldn’t book those plane tickets yet…”
“I don’t know if it’s smart to spend money right now…”
“Doesn’t feel like the right time to start a new project…”
“I’m doubling my Zoloft and cutting back on therapy…”
“… because these are really uncertain times.”
It’s like our collective unconscious is having a panic attack, and no one knows how to calm her down.
I’m not dismissing all of the scary stuff happening in the world. Our nervous systems are plugged into a live stream of political turmoil, climate disaster, and international warfare.
Of course we feel scared.
BUT…
The truth is that this time is not any more or less uncertain than any other time. The future, by definition, is uncertain.
The times are always uncertain!
Uncertainty is a constant, especially for business owners. It’s not a problem to solve or an aberration to brace against. Uncertainty is a reality we need to get comfortable meeting day after day.
I do this work with my clients all the time.
When I see them getting panicky, or falling into old scarcity narratives, I start to wonder what’s happening beneath the surface.
I watch with curiosity as they walk themselves back from the bold work they’re doing, retreating into their comfort zone.
I’ll say something like, “Just a reminder, tomorrow is as uncertain today as it was two months ago. I don’t think this contraction is about the uncertain times. What are you really feeling right now?”
It’s usually something like:
>> I feel really scared.
>> This decision feels risky.
>> What if something bad happens?
Things are scary.
The decision is risky.
Something bad might happen.
That’s always true—but it doesn’t mean you should pull back.
The world needs your work now more than ever. The people you serve need to hear your voice. Your clients need to see you growing and evolving, not hiding under a weighted blanket waiting for things to feel less uncertain.
The best thing you can do for your business right now is step forward despite the uncertainty.
Make the new website! Create the program! Raise your fees! Buy the course! Start a Substack! Hire the assistant! Go on that retreat 😉!
And most importantly, learn how to sit with uncertainty.
It’s a crucial skill as a business owner.
Uncertainty is the scariest (and most reliable) part of owning a business. You don’t know when your next client is going to come through the door or how well your next launch will do or what the next marketing trend will be.
And you never will.
You must learn how to co-exist peacefully with the present moment.
👆That’s the trick to being a calm and grounded business owner.
And yes, it’s a big part of what we’ll be practicing together at the Deep Rest Retreat at the end of October.
I’ve had so many people reach out saying they really need this retreat, but they don’t feel good about coming right now because of these uncertain times. I get it, but also…
If you’re resisting because the uncertain times have you feeling panicky, this is the right time for you to join me on retreat.
We’re going to practice sitting with uncertainty, releasing pent up emotions, and stepping courageously into our callings from a place of deep rest and revitalization.
Now is the time to be brave.
Talk soon,
Maegan