Be Comfortable with CHAOS

Most people are frantic in situations of disorder, confusion and mayhem. This anxiety is primarily because there is a lack of control and hence an increase in uncertainty. Yet why is it that there are some that thrive in chaotic situations and others that cower and make themselves small?

I believe that perception plays a big part in how we live our lives. From our personal perceptions of ourselves and the world, we choose what to focus on. Once we focus on something, then we give that something a meaning. And once we give that something a meaning, them we emotionally invest in it and our actions resonate with the particular emotions we have decided to invest in. And this all stems from how we perceive the world... 

Let's take the classic 'glass half full' analogy: the popular view is that there are two ways of seeing the condition of the glass; either half empty or half full. People who see the glass half empty are often called pessimists, cynics and are labelled with having a defeatist attitude. Alternatively, those that see the glass half full are your optimists and bastions of faith, blindly hopeful that something good will happen. If you were to ask me, most of the time I'm the latter, but through life lessons and observations, neither of these perspectives are helpful in moments of chaos... 

If the water in the glass can be taken as an analogy of how we view the world, then each of the 2 above mentioned perspectives are extremes: one of an impending doom and the other of an impending miracle. The mere fact that there is an expectancy on something external places the focus on something that cannot be controlled. As much as I believe that uncertainty is a necessary part of our life journey, in moments of chaos and panic, the uncontrollable should be kept at a minimum. 

Here are 3 things that will assist when you are in a situation of chaos or panic: 

1. Define YOUR chaos

Just because everyone else around you is panicking, does not mean you have to. Don't make the mistake of adopting other peoples fears. This will overwhelm you and will find yourself wasting precious energy on unnecessary concerns. Take a note of what is affecting YOU and prioritise those things. Take for example what flight attendants say on a plane: " In the case of oxygen loss, please place the oxygen mask over your mouth FIRST, before you assist others that need help." 

2. FOCUS on what YOU can control

Once you have put a definition to what exactly is chaotic for you, then start finding solutions to your situation. The solutions should be something realistic that YOU can actually do. For example, a lot of people will complain about the state of an economy and blame people in certain offices. Then turn around and expect those same people to fix those problems. Again, this is placing the responsibility on an external factor. Don't get me wrong, place the blame where it needs to be placed, but ultimately, YOU are the captain of your life-vessel right? So make a plan! What are things you can start or stop doing to help you save money? If it means giving up an expensive habit or trying new ways of doing business then do it! Because it is you that determines that outcome, not someone or somethings else. 

3. Stay in your LANE

This is a humbling one. I'm recently getting over my Superman Complex, where I try to save the day and help as many as I can and I found it exhausting. Especially in an environment like Zimbabwe where so many people need help, I felt bad when I could not assist everyone who asked for assistance. But then I flipped it and said what CAN I do? What is something that I am already doing that can positively impact others' and won't place an extra strain on me? The results were me mentoring over 18 year old orphans on a weekly basis and teaching capoeira to less privileged kids ever Saturday morning. These were things that I already did and I just applied that to assist another. I stayed in my lane. 

Chaos is the space for change which can either make or break you. Be sure it makes and moulds you into a better version of yourself. Use these times as training to hone your skills, find out more about yourself and take risks. Remember, the dust will settle soon, and when it does, those that used the chaos wisely and rode the wave of confusion, will come out the movers and shakers of the next generation.

It's all about finding the clam in the chaos.