Coping Strategies

For many, these are not easy days.Futurist Jim Carroll has some thoughts.

Start here

Try and be your better self

At the end of they day, you want to look at yourself in the mirror with pride as to how you've handled yourself.

Then

Set your expectations

Drastic change with unrealistic promises is a long-term voyage. All of this is going to take some time to unfold. Buckle in and buckle up, and accept the fate of time.

After that

Ride your roller coaster

Your emotions are going to be all over the map. Come to expect that - and don't fight it. You've got to go through grief, anger, bewilderment, confusion, and more. Accept it as a part of the journey that you did not want.

To do that

Don't give in to the negativity

It will get worse before it gets better. That's reality. But work really hard to not let that change who you are, what you believe, and what you will do.

Instead

Find your purpose

A voyage of unwanted change is never easy. Navigating through it involves allowing your mindset to find a new path. Doing that requires that you find a new purpose that will keep you motivated, engaged - and optimistic.

To do that

Chase the good days

The negativity will be relentless. Do everything you can to battle it with positivity by focusing on doing what you can to make sure there are more good days than bad days.

How to do that?

Abandon loneliness

This should not be a solo voyage. You need people who will join you in your voyage - you can't do this on your own.

So you should

Build a bigger circle

It might be time to expand your horizons - you need a peer group and support group that can help you in your mission of learning how to cope.

And with that circle

Double down on empathy

Now is not the time to treat others with the disdain, anger, and hate that others might show them. People need to see the better selves of others - be that person.

Make sure to

Excercise your optimism

Take on the role of the relentless optimist. When too many people are falling into a trap of negativity, they need the help and guidance of those who can give them hope.

And be certain to

Focus on 'good' relationships

Abandon toxicity. Difficult moments mean you need to cut back or cut out the ones that hurt, cause you pain, or simply drag you down. Recognize that you don't need them anymore, as hard as it might be.

Above all

Be true to your integrity

The next few years are going to see a feeding frenzy of collapsed ethics, hazy moral boundaries, and a collapse of basic decency. Strengthen your values for what's ahead.

Be prepared to

Adjust your strategy

There's a very complicated voyage ahead. Don't presume that what works at this moment is what will work tomorrow. Be prepared to change course as circumstances warrant, so that you end up at the right destination.

To do that

Study opportunities

You need to have faith that there will be a better future, that all is not lost, and that there is yet hope. To do that, make sure to spot the opportunities amid the wreckage.

While doing that

Pay attention to self care

One of your most important priorities is to make sure that you in a good state of mental health - that you can cope with all the complexities this new world is going to throw at you. It won't be easy, but is critically necessary.

Always try to

Mute your anger

Anger is palpable with a lot of people, and there is good reason for it. But a future driven by anger is not much of a future at all. It's best to try to leave it aside.

Even so

Silently scream if you need to

You'll need an outlet for that anger - it can't be completely hidden, suppressed and ignored. Find a way to let go wtihout damaging yourself or others around you.

Most importantly

Admit when it's not OK

There will be bad moments. Awful moments. Moments of crushing despair. Do not try to hide your reality.

And make sure you

Know what to do when it's not

Have a plan - a support group, peers, friends, networking groups, and professional support when necessary. You can't do this journey on your own - know that for many people, 'we're all in this together.'

Be prepared to

Ask for help if you need it

When things get too much to bear and you feel you are at the end of the proverbial rope, don't hesitate to ask someone for help. Anyone.

Also

Change Your Focus

Learn new stuff. Do new things. Take on new projects. Study new knowledge. Try a new skill. Take up an old hobby.Just do things.

That let's you

Build some 'joy' habits

Take some time to discover what works for you. Make more of the moments that matter.

Make sure you

Don't give up

Difficult times demand perseverance - with attitude, action, and mindset. Stay focused on what you can do - and don't obsess over what you can't.

In fact

Double down on action

It's better to be busy and in a busy headspace than to be in a headspace where all you can do is focus on the negativity around you.

Above all

Believe in tomorrow

Some folks have a saying that gets them through their day today - "Tomorrow, the sun will rise in splendor." As tough as today might be, always believe there can be a better tomorrow.

What now?

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