If you’re feeling stuck right now, you’re not alone—and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, I believe being stuck and feeling fear are actually powerful places to be.
Hear me out: when we’re bumping up against resistance, it’s not a sign to stop. It’s a sign that we’re on the edge of growth. That tension, that fear? It’s an opportunity to build muscle for what’s coming next.
How we respond to fear determines not just our own trajectory, but the future of the people and organizations we lead. It’s easy to stay frozen. It’s harder—and far more impactful—to harness that fear and transform it into strength.
Here’s how you can start:
Curate What (and Who) You’re Listening To
One of the simplest, most powerful actions you can take right now is an inventory of your inputs. Not just the 24-hour news cycles or the endless scroll on LinkedIn, but who you’re choosing to read, listen to, and follow. Are they fueling your fear—or are they fueling your hope?
Surround yourself with people and voices who offer optimism, even amid chaos.
It’s not about ignoring reality.
It’s about choosing the energy you let shape your mindset. Because that directly impacts whether you stay stuck… or move forward.
Focus on What You Can Control
When the world feels out of control, it’s easy to feel powerless. But trust me when I say, there are things within your control—you just have to look for them. When we work with companies, one of the first things we do is help them see what they actually have influence over. And it’s always more than they realize. The same goes for you. Where can you create a better experience for your employees? Where can you strengthen systems, communication, or culture, even when the external environment is unstable? Claiming those areas of influence not only builds momentum, it helps re-establish a much-needed sense of certainty.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Bold Moves
History tells us some of the best decisions leaders make happen during uncertain times. While fear and uncertainty might tempt you to freeze, sometimes it’s the perfect time to rethink your strategy, the markets you serve, or the products and services you offer. Big shifts aren’t for everyone in every season—but if you feel the nudge, don’t ignore it. Remember – staying stuck in fear is the riskiest move you can make. Growth often requires boldness, especially now.
Redefine Innovation
Innovation doesn’t have to mean flashy product launches or big public wins. Innovation can be quiet. It can be the way you rebuild internal systems, the way you show up differently for your team, or the ways you create small, consistent improvements. Innovation is any action that energizes your culture, your processes, or your people. Look inside your team. Where are the ideas bubbling under the surface? What new ways of operating could strengthen your business from the inside out?
Protect Your Leadership Energy
Finally—and most importantly—your leadership energy matters more now than ever. It’s tough to show up every day when the world feels chaotic. But if we want to be leaders who deal hope, we have to have hope ourselves. That means taking care of your mind, body, and spirit. Moving your body. Being intentional with your inputs. Setting boundaries. And remembering that resilience is built moment by moment, choice by choice. The best thing you can do right now is be strategic in your thinking—beyond the fear, beyond the chaos. We’ve weathered these kinds of storms before, and we’ll do it again. What matters most is how we lead through it.
A Call to Action for Leaders
This moment—this feeling of stuck—isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of building the strength you’ll need for the next mountain you’re meant to climb.
So today, I challenge you:
- Shift your mindset.
- See fear as a signal to lean in.
- And know that the work you do now—how you show up for your team, for yourself, and for your community—will ripple out far beyond this season.
Let’s lead with hope. Let’s build the muscle that the next chapter will require.
