Riding The Wave: Staying Grounded in Overwhelming Times
The world feels bonkers at the moment, don't you think? We’re all navigating a landscape where technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, AI seems to be racing ahead faster than we can keep up, and there’s a constant pressure to stand out online, with the ongoing debate on how the economy is impacting small businesses. There is a lot of pressure that many are feeling right now - the sense that despite working harder, it feels like there's always a next hurdle. For entrepreneurs, leaders and driven professionals, the question becomes: "How do we work in this environment without losing ourselves in the chaos?"
It’s easy to get caught up in the “hustle” mindset. There's nothing wrong with working hard, we know we need to work hard. But hustle alone doesn’t guarantee success, and it certainly doesn’t safeguard your well-being. In times like these, staying grounded and centred is just as important as the work itself. And, more than ever, it’s essential to recognise what is working in your life and business - especially when it’s easy to focus on everything that’s not. Which is human! We all do it.
The Quiet Confidence You Already Have
I have seen a lot of posts on LinkedIn or other platforms focusing on the things people don’t have, or reinforcing negative beliefs. It can be tiring to scroll through. I wanted to write this article to remind you of what you do well and provide tools to help you ride the storm - so you don’t feel like you’re constantly pushing and fighting to keep up with everyone else.
The truth is you don’t need to keep proving yourself over and over again. The quiet confidence you’ve built over time is already there. You might not always feel it, but it’s present in the way you’ve shown up for yourself and others in your career or life. It’s in the decisions you’ve made, the experiences and skills you have, the obstacles you’ve overcome, and the actions you’ve already taken.
It’s easy to get distracted by the noise of social media, where everyone else seems to be sprinting ahead. But don’t forget the steady progress you’ve made and the skills you’ve developed. Confidence isn’t about always feeling on top of the world - it’s about recognising your achievements and using them to fuel your next steps.
When we have confidence, we have self-belief and self-esteem and it helps keep one grounded.
Smart Work > Hustle: What Truly Drives Results
I talked about this in a post two days ago as it's a "thing". The hustle culture is loud. It tells you to work harder, push further, and never stop moving. But hustle doesn’t always translate into results. What truly drives productivity is working smarter, not harder. It’s about focusing on what matters, cutting out the distractions, and spending your time and energy on the things that will move you forward. More and more people are becoming aware of this, as burnout rises and the importance of looking after oneself is highlighted amidst the chaos.
So how about reminding yourself of what is working? You’re already doing a lot right.
You don’t need to do it all.
The key is to stay focused on the areas where you can make the most impact. Take a moment to think about what’s truly working and where you’ve seen growth. Recognising those moments helps to keep you on track and reminds you of your strengths when the world feels overwhelming.
Your Mindset Toolkit: Simple Strategies for Staying Grounded
It’s natural to focus on what’s not going right but what if you did what coaches call a "reframe" (flipping the script in other words) and reminded yourself of what is? What’s already working in your business or career? What strengths have carried you through uncertain times before? These aren’t just random wins - they’re proof of your adaptability and resilience. Hone them. Build on them. Trust them.
In a time when uncertainty feels like the only certainty, it’s vital to keep your mindset in check. You’ve likely already developed tools that help you stay grounded. But when the pressure mounts, it’s easy to forget about those tools or not use them effectively.
I've included a few strategies to incorporate into your daily routine that can be helpful:
Acknowledge what’s within your control and release the rest. This is a biggy and you will never look back when you do this (Mel Robbins has also recently gone into this in her "Let Them" theory which I mentioned in my last newsletter I think - don't forget the "Let Me" bit in there too).
Make time to reflect on what's gone well, your wins, every week - they're fuel, not afterthoughts. Or, take a pause and reflect on them daily. What went well today? What are you proud of? This helps shift your focus from the “not enough” mentality to an “I’m doing well” mindset.
Return to your values - what is your why and what is meaningful to you? This acts as your internal compass when the world feels chaotic.
Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. It’s tempting to juggle, but true productivity comes from focused work. This also helps with managing overwhelm.
Recognise when to say no and preserve your energy for what truly matters. Don’t be afraid to take a step back when needed. Put boundaries in place.
The reality is, it's about taking back and owning your power to create intentional action.
You’re likely already practicing many of these habits, so if you are, hopefully this article serves as a reminder to remind you of what you have within your control already.
The choice as to when to act, how to act and when to react and how to react - they are all within your power. It’s just about recognising it and keeping the right tools for you front of mind when the world feels overwhelming.
How Coaching Helps You Stay Focused and Confident
This is where coaching can be a game-changer. Often, we’re so caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks that we forget to zoom out and see the bigger picture. Having someone to help guide you through the noise, be a sounding board, reflect on your strengths, and build strategies to tackle challenges can make all the difference.
Confidence, particularly in the face of uncertainty, doesn’t always come naturally. It’s something you actively build and nurture. With my coaching, you can work on those areas where you may feel less confident, understand the mindset shifts you need, and develop a plan that works for you - in a way that feels grounded and authentic.
It's a powerful move to take action to invest in yourself. Even the best leaders and entrepreneurs have moments where they acknowledge the areas they could use extra support. There’s no shame in seeking help to elevate your confidence, help with identifying what's holding you back, especially when you’re facing the type of pressure that today’s world often brings.
Finally, Building Success with Intention
The key to thriving in these times isn’t in working harder or burning yourself out; it’s in knowing yourself, knowing where to focus your energy, and moving forward with intention. The landscape might be shifting, but your strengths and skills - the ones you’ve built over time - are yours to rely on.
So, the question is: are you ready to remind yourself of what’s working? To keep your confidence in check and continue moving forward with purpose? Because those who will thrive in these times are the ones who adapt, focus on what they do best, and stay grounded as they ride this wave.
The world is moving fast and you have what it takes to move with it.
With clarity, confidence, and a grounded mindset, your success is already in motion.
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Curious about how you can build more clarity, resilience, and momentum on your journey? Let’s connect and have a conversation.
Best wishes
Katherine
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P.S. If you’re wondering where you mindset and confidence is sitting in some of these areas, I've designed an assessment tool especially for entrepreneurs and leaders called The Wheel of Confidence. You will receive a bespoke emailed report on completion with advice at the end.
Many people can feel a dip in their confidence at certain points, and that’s completely natural. You are not alone. The tool highlights areas that may be challenging, and if you notice a lower score in any area, please don’t be discouraged - taking action will build your confidence and I'm here to support. On the other side, if you’re scoring well in certain areas, it’s a reminder to keep moving forward as you are!
You can access the Wheel of Confidence here
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