Taking Strategic Action in Uncertain Times

Do something, but do something that will serve you beyond this current crisis

When folks started talking about the shortage of toilet paper on store shelves, I was baffled. This virus we are hunkering down to avoid doesn’t affect the intestinal tract. What in the world were people thinking?

Then I read an article that helped me understand why toilet paper has become a symbol of the global pandemic of 2020. People are worried about being quarantined in their home and one item they don’t want to run out of is toilet paper — even though this seems to be an irrational thought pattern in light of the situation.

The article went on to explain that, in times of crisis, we want to do something. It makes us feel better if we take some type of action, even it’s irrational or small in impact. It gives us a sense of control over our lives, and in some sense, brings us hope.

I get that. I am the ultimate problem solver. When I was faced with a financial crisis during the last recession, I felt so helpless about my situation that I began selling off items on Craig’s List and squirreling that money away in my desk drawer. I also went back to my skill set and began tutoring students in the neighborhood.

I didn’t make a lot of money from either of those endeavors but it gave me a sense of “doing something” to alleviate our financial pressure. If nothing else, I reasoned, I had a small nest egg for groceries or medication.

Is it wise to do something when we are uncertain of the future or scared about the “what-ifs?” Is it just chasing our tails or is there a way to propel ourselves to action that is fruitful, coordinated, and strategic?

Taking action makes us feel like we are doing something valuable or contributing to our safety and well-being. It’s a smart tactic to turn to, but better yet, build a strategy around what actions you will take and why. In the long run, this activity will serve you beyond the current situation.

Here are some examples.

Create a long-term savings account

I know that it seems counterintuitive to start saving when some of you might be facing a financial downturn due to being sent home from work or needing to pay for child care while schools are closed. But think about it this way: if you don’t have a long term emergency fund (experts suggest at least 3–6 months of living expenses in a savings account) how would the stress you feel right now be lessened if you did?

Let this time be a wake-up call or the impetus to start that savings account. Even if it is only a few dollars a week, it’s the start to something worthwhile and important and a reminder that we all need to plan for the inevitable.

Reach out to your neighbors

We all get caught up in the day-to-day and busyness of life. It’s become an epidemic of our society that we don’t have time for ____ (fill in the blank). When we’re rushing from one activity to the next the first thing that usually falls to the wayside is our relationships. I get it. I lived that way for too long. My rationalization was: I barely have time for myself and my family, everyone else will have to understand.

It is in times of crisis that we realize who our friends are and it’s in times of crisis when we realize if we’ve been investing in relationships. All of our relationships are like savings accounts. We have to deposit before we can withdraw. So just like the savings account principle, if we haven’t invested in others we might find it’s not so easy to withdraw when we need the support or camaraderie to make it through the tough times.

Sign up on the Nextdoor app to find out how your local area is doing and see if there is anyone asking for help that you can support. Join neighborhood Facebook groups and check in on your immediate neighbors, especially those who are elderly or already dealing with mental health conditions. The good thing about this pandemic (if I can say that there is a good thing) is that we are all in it together, so no one is facing a crisis on their own. Reach out — many are willing to help in ways you may not envision.

Invest in your health and family

The reality is that we are all vulnerable to something even when there isn’t a global health crisis. Unfortunately, we often put our health on the back burner in the search for financial wealth or career advancement. Some put everyone else before themselves as caretakers and take shortcuts to their own self-care. Now is a perfect time — especially if you are off work or working from home — to institute some new healthy habits or get back to some you may have let up on.

Cook healthy meals and avoid takeout. Most restaurants are closed so take the time to crack open that cookbook that your mother-in-law gave you for your wedding shower and learn something new.

Establish a new routine with supplements. Start with one or two that will boost your immune system and keep the habit going even after we are out of this crisis.

Are you saving time by no longer commuting to work? Great! Use that time to meditate, exercise, or walk. No worry that gyms and rec centers are closed — there are many online options from free Youtube videos to online memberships that are discounting their prices right now to help those who are in need or may be working out from home.

Got kids? With schools, clubs, and sports activities on hold, think of all the precious time you have with them that you didn’t before! Read together. Play games. Plant a garden. Take walks. Go camping. Use this time as a gift to reconnect.

Start a gratitude journal

Gratitude is the antidote to anxiety, worry, feelings of scarcity, and complaining. It can help you turn your thoughts completely around. Establishing the practice of gratitude is an investment that will carry you through the current crisis and beyond. Gratitude helps to develop resiliency and reframes our mindset from scarcity to enough.

Declutter and simplify your life

When our finances are simplified we can weather a financial storm. When our needs are simple, we won’t panic if we can’t access every store and service out there. When our life is simplified we don’t cave to fear and anxiety, we stay the course and count on the reserves and margin we’ve already put in place.

If your life is anything but simple and the current setbacks you are facing are complicating it even more, this would be a great time to take stock. Start decluttering your physical environment so you can create a peaceful haven in your home (you’re going to be spending more time there so why not make it your sanctuary?). Any investment you make in simplifying your home, finances, and approach to life will serve you now and as you move forward.

We all have to face that we are in a unique situation, maybe something most of us have never faced before. By taking action that not only makes you feel better in the short term but that will serve you as you resume your normal life, you will be investing in your present and your future.

Wouldn’t you rather emerge from this crisis knowing that you decluttered your home, started a new health care routine, or reconnected with family and neighbors rather than coming out on the other side bragging about how much toilet paper you managed to hoard?