Make a mindful reset in the face of what you can't control

A relevant reflection this week: How do you relate to what you can’t control? 

It’s easy to get frustrated, disappointed, angry and sad about events you didn’t want to happen. Letting those emotions be felt (rather than festering) can be important. And then what? 

Do you remain angry and frustrated? Do you let every new piece of information put you in a bad mood, leaving you incredulous, disappointed and a bit afraid? It takes energy and eats up brain space when this happens. 

So many have told me they feel helpless and upset this week, but this type of reaction happens in all areas of life. You might have planned a long bike ride or camping, but the rain is torrential and a storm is blowing. You might have expected to spend a lifetime with someone, but they had other ideas. 

These are wildly different scenarios, of course, but they have this in common: They’re not within your control. It will be important to feel the emotions. Learn from them. Take away the information about why this matters so much that it triggers these feelings. 

Then – as soon as you are able - find your way to mindfully re-set. Allow yourself to move to acceptance of what is. Once your head is clear, the insight about what matters can help you focus on what to do next. 

For many of us, this isn’t an automatic process. It takes practice and persistence. But even though it doesn't always seem like it, you have the power to control your reactions – unlike the weather, other people and presidential elections that are now in the past. 

This week, I’m choosing to double-down on creating opportunities for teams, leaders and individuals to communicate and collaborate better, in order to reduce conflict and misunderstandings. I believe that matters. 

How can you re-set to direct your energy towards what matters to you? If your reaction is to the new US president: what power over your mood do you want to allow him?