Finding Steady Ground in an Uncertain Landscape

Change is hard. But, as the old saying goes, it’s the only constant in life. Martin has learned through past experiences how best to manage uncertainty to her response to minimize anxiety and frustration. The first step, she says, is simply accepting reality.

“We are committed to the research mission, even in the midst of this change,” Martin said. “It’s our job to understand, ‘How can I best support this research even though I’m faced with things I can’t control?’”

In fact, resistance to accepting the reality of the situation is what drives anxiety and suffering, said Rhonda Merwin, a Duke Clinical Psychologist who specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

 “Uncertainty and change are not the problem — it’s our resistance to them that causes suffering,” Merwin said.

Acceptance doesn’t have to mean you don’t care or are giving up, according to Personal Assistance Service (PAS) counselor Eric Chaiken. But it’s important to understand what’s within your control and what isn’t.

“We often like this sense of stability and predictability, but when that gets shaken up, we have to work toward acceptance that life has changed,” he said. “That’s a natural part and rhythm of life.”

Martin continues to draw on lessons she learned from sudden upheavals in both work and life, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Among them:

Have someone to lean on

Martin relies on conversations with a close friend, her husband and several trusted colleagues to help her “maintain an attitude of positivity.” Chaiken says that support can come in the form of a therapist or even a journal where you record your thoughts and worries.

Among the benefits of connecting with others are emotional support, a strengthened resilience, fresh perspective and advice for strategies that have worked for others, Chaiken said.

“Knowing somebody’s there helps give us some degree of reassurance,” he said. “It helps us not feel alone and isolated.”

It’s vital not to lose focus on people, Martin adds, and the importance of relationships during change.

“At the end of the day, we’re all in this together,” she said.

Look for opportunities

Martin says a mentor once told her, “Never waste a crisis.”

“Every crisis is an opportunity to view something differently,” she said. “What’s the good that can come out of this? Very few people in my organizational team want to embrace the change that’s being forced upon us, but we can look at opportunities to reset expectations and make sure we’re doing things more efficiently.”

Merwin said additional anxiety can come when we become too attached to the way things were or fear the future. Accept that it’s OK to be uncomfortable as you adjust to a new reality. 

“Sometimes when weeds are pulled, flowers grow,” Merwin said. “You never know what new things might emerge from change.”

Recognize that you’ve survived past changes

Martin likes to upend the conventional interview question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Instead, she asks, “Did you see yourself here five years ago?”

“In my mind, the answer is always ‘No,’” she said.

Five years ago, for instance, Martin never envisioned navigating a pandemic and remote work environment.

“Look at all the changes that I’ve already successfully managed,” she said. “Maybe the next change won’t be so scary.”

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