The Other Side of Crazy

I used to be so sure I knew the next right step. But, now there is so much uncertainty in business, politics, the environment, the economy, how to parent, the right way to eat — even a positive, self-directed person like myself can feel out of sorts and well, a bit insane.

It’s a fact that one in four adults — approximately 57.7 million Americans — experience a mental health disorder in a given year. And I don’t have to tell you how scary it is to watch loved ones and co-workers stop being able to deal with the uncertainty.

When you are on the receiving end of fear and dissatisfaction, it’s easy to feel that you’re the cause. You may even think that you can cure the anxiety. Forget it! Your job is to take care of yourself so you don’t lose it, too.

Here’s five ways to keep it together when what’s happening at work and in the world is so completely insane.

Call The People Who Love You

Pick up the phone and call someone who gets you and tell the truth. Admit it — your boss is a maniac, your wife is depressed, your son has no direction. You are not perfect, but you are still standing strong. Good for you!

Get Out And Exercise

Healing of the body leads to healing of the mind. That’s why every single day you have to do something active, even if it’s just walking your dog for 30 minutes. Stop with the excuses all ready.

Say “Yes” To Opportunity

Don’t let insane people tell you can’t do it or make you feel you’re not good enough. Say “yes” and go for the promotion, attend networking events, give a speech, host a panel, take the job, and go get that guy. Stop putting your life on hold. You may be avoiding your destiny (and that’s crazy).

Stay Open and Find Perspective

The other night at the Dallas airport, I was feeling low. I said to a woman in front of me at the barbeque stand, “I’m not sure I want to go home.” She said, “Me neither.” I asked her why. She said, “My beautiful son was run over six weeks ago and is now a paraplegic.” As I hugged her, I realized my problems were very small.

Be Grateful, Thankful and Satisfied.

My sister and I play a game when we need to remind ourselves of how wonderful life really is. We ask each other these three questions: 1) “What are you grateful for in this moment?” 2) “What are you thankful for?” and 3) “What are you satisfied with?” The answers always clear the clouds away.
When the people we love and work with are going mad, it’s so easy to go down the rabbit hole, too. The only path to sanity is to keep working on ourselves.

Robin Fisher Roffer is a leading brand strategist and reinvention specialist. Founder and CEO of Big Fish Marketing, she is the author of Make A Name For Yourself: 8 Steps Every Woman Needs To Create A Personal Brand Strategy For Success, The Fearless Fish Out Of Water: How To Succeed When You’re The Only One Like You, and Reinventing Yourself: 10 Steps To Shifting Your Career Into High Gear. Learn more about Robin at: http://bigfishmarketing.com