Tariffs on, tariffs off. Market down, market up. AI is revolutionizing everything
—or maybe it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
We used to talk about uncertainty as if it were temporary. A rough patch. A phase.
But what if uncertainty isn’t going away?
Uncertainty, ambiguity, and aggravation are backdrops of our everyday decisions. This forces us to ask more complicated questions about how we work, lead, and move forward.
Finding Your Anchor
In my meditation practice, my teachers often discuss having an anchor—something I can return to when my mind drifts. The most common anchor is the breath. It doesn’t solve everything but helps bring my spinning, distracted mind back to something steady.
I’ve been suggesting that my clients identify an anchor for themselves, not necessarily for meditation, but something they can return to when the ground beneath their feet begins to shift.
One of my clients, the leader of a nonprofit delivering community-based health services, had been building an ambitious new program with the support of a large federal grant. It was a game-changer for her, her staff, and the community they serve.
And then came a message from her national association:
These funds might be pulled.
There is no warning, explanation, or cautionary note that not all may be as secure as it seems.
She told me, “Uh, okay… now what?”
We talked through her grief spiral—the frustration, uncertainty, and fear about what this could mean for both her team and the community they serve.
And then I asked, “What might your anchor be right now?”
Leading from the Anchor
As a collaborative leader, the answer came quickly: honest communication and mission clarity.
She gathered her leadership team and said:
“We’re unsure where all this stands and don’t want to despair. Instead, let’s return to our mission and focus on what we can control—for ourselves and our clients.”
From there, she and her team made small, steady moves:
- Holding weekly huddles focused on what they could still do within their current structure
- Reassessing staffing needs with clarity and compassion
- Reconnecting with community partners for insight and support
- And—perhaps most importantly—making space for the team to feel, process, and respond
She didn’t fix everything, but she led honestly and stayed rooted in why she started this work.
That became her anchor.
In addition to my meditation anchor, I have a whiteboard in my office with my 2025 Word of the Year: Attention.
It reminds me that I can improve daily by being more focused and intentional. That’s been a challenge throughout my life, and I’m working to strengthen that skill this year.
Anchoring Yourself
So this week, ask yourself:
What’s one anchor I can return to when things feel uncertain?
Something that reminds you of who you are, and what matters—even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
And, if you’re looking for a simple way to begin, I’d be glad to share a short meditation I use for myself and clients. Just post a comment or send me an email with the header “Purpose.”
Let’s keep the conversation going.
What’s helping you hold steady right now?
