Living in an Uncertain World

As we come to accept that our world has changed, probably permanently, we’re forced to face the fact that we can no longer count on the future looking like what we expect it to.  In fact, we have no idea what the near future is going to look like.  

Will there be another shutdown?  Are we going to see an upsurge in business as we navigate the reopening of the economy? Will the implementation of new rules hinder our ability to run our businesses?

Living in an uncertain world is going to take a certain amount of letting go.

I think learning to let go of what’s coming is very hard.  But I also believe that we need to in order to keep functioning.

This may seem contradictory to my usual advice of plan, prepare, predict, etc.; however, I think the two can live in harmony.  

Of course, we must do what we can to figure out how to navigate the known changes.  For example, if your restaurant was shut down, and now you’re only allowed to operate at half capacity, how do you make up the difference in sales?  Cities are supporting their local restaurants in creative ways. Some are closing the streets to allow restaurants to create outdoor seating. Others put up picnic tables in the park for patrons to use after picking up to-go orders.  These are great ways of adapting and making adjustments to increase revenue to help restaurants stay afloat.

Another industry that has had to pivot and figure out how to come back is beauty services such as salons.  Waiting rooms are a thing of the past.  The parking lot has become the waiting zone.  Now you call when you arrive and wait to be notified that it’s your turn.  Fewer stations, barriers between seats, masks for all and more.  Recovering and being profitable among all these changes will challenge the most resilient of businesses.

If your business has been impacted (and let’s face it, whose hasn’t?) then try to figure out what you can do to adapt. Plan to implement changes as quickly as possible.

Next, you need to realize that there are numerous things you as a business owner cannot control.  Right now, it feels like the whole world is shifting and changing daily. It’s hard to live without knowing what may change next. 

 Letting go of the need to know and accepting that more change is likely is the best approach.

Learn to be more flexible and try not to fret over unknown variables you cannot control.  I know, easier said than done.  Accept that you have no control over the world and be ready to react quickly if needed. This will help you stay focused on the now.

Living in the present, knowing you’ve done everything you can to adapt and prepare, will help you feel more confident in the knowledge that no matter what happens, you will find your way through it.

Sherry Lutz Herrington is the owner of Sherrington Financial Fitness, a business consulting and accounting firm specializing in strategic business planning and solid financial accounting for businesses. She is also the author of Strong Women Thriving (https://strongwomenthriving.com/), a blog which focuses on empowering women to be financially savvy, particularly after experiencing financial abuse. Sherry is currently writing a new book that both shares her personal story and addresses financial abuse. She can be reached at hello@strongwomenthriving.com.