Hope During Uncertain Times
Across the globe, our way of life has shifted drastically in a very short period of time. Basic freedoms to go wherever and do whatever we please at nearly anytime we want have been drastically limited in the name of self-preservation. Employment and sources of income are suddenly at risk or have ceased to exist. Hospital systems are quickly being stressed to capacity, and folks working within essential infrastructure continue to do so in the face of likely the greatest collective adversity many of us have faced in our lifetime.
For many of us, things seem bleak right about now, and I’m not here to belittle or minimize the gravity of the situation. In fact, no one really knows when or how all this will end. Despite all of the uncertainty, there have been some positives that have made themselves evident as a result of the “Great Pause.” I would like to pass along some words of wisdom I’ve come across during these past few weeks that seem strangely applicable to our current situation.
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
Victor Frankl is a well known Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust. In Man’s Search for Meaning, which he authored shortly after being liberated from a Nazi concentration camp, Frankl identifies 3 ways in which people can find meaning in life: 1) making a difference in the world through our work or creation, 2) through experiential values (i.e. love), and 3) through adopting a courageous attitude in the face of unavoidable suffering. We may not have control over our circumstances, but we always have control over the way in which we respond.
“hope is not a course of action. You cannot rely on hope. You have to plan...But hope does play a role in leading and in winning...it must be in the hearts and minds of the people executing the mission. If there is no hope for relief or success or victory, the will cannot endure...This is why you are responsible for sustaining and maintaining hope within the team. Explain to the team that victory is possible. ”
Jocko is a retired Navy Seal who now runs a leadership consultant company called Echelon Front. Jocko has spoken and written extensively about the principles of leadership in his podcast and in books like Extreme Ownership and Dichotomy of Leadership. In his book Leadership Strategies and Tactics, Jocko explains that while hope is not a plan in itself, it is a crucial element in order to succeed and endure. We don’t know how or when we will “win” right now, but we can be assured that victory is coming. Hold the line.
“Through all the confusion and uncertainty in this world around us, through the trials and challenges presented us by our fellow citizens in life, or even the tribulations we inflict upon ourselves; never lose sight of these two things: that nothing occurs in this world that is not natural or necessary to it, and second, that none of it is capable of compelling you to act against your will or the principles it embraces.”
Marcus Aurelius was emperor of the Roman Empire from 161-180 AD, and is considered as one of the forefathers of Stoic philosophy. He even led his people through a pandemic! In his personal series of journal entries that are collectively referred to as Meditations, Marcus Aurelius explains that even seemingly terrible things and events happen either due to the natural tendencies of the world or universe, or because they are necessary. I find the fact that certain things are out of my control freeing, even if these things may be perceived as negative. However, Marcus goes on to state that we always have a choice to respond to external events in a way that is representative of the principles in which we believe.
“We can’t give into fear. We have to repeat to ourselves over and over again: It’s OK to be scared, just don’t be afraid.”
Ryan Holiday is an author, media strategist, and practicer of Stoicism who is responsible for producing works such as Obstacle is the Way, Ego is the Enemy, and Stillness is the Key. Ryan states that it is ok to be scared, and that being scared is a natural, universal tendency. Being afraid is a choice that occurs after being scared that hinders or paralyzes you from acting appropriately and moving forward despite existing in the midst of uncertainty.
TAKE AWAY:
It’s okay to experience fear, hesitancy, concern, and all of the other emotions that may come along with living through a global pandemic. What I take away from the quotes and sources listed above is that we can always dictate the manner in which respond to fear in the face of uncertainty. I personally hope to use this as an opportunity to closely examine and cultivate the things and practices that add meaning or joy to my life (time with my loved ones, spiritual growth, staying physically active, teaching/serving others through my clinical skillset) and trimming away the things that don’t add meaning or joy to my life.
No matter how you chose to face uncertainty, know that I am here to help. Please reach out via email, phone, or social media if you would like to discuss how Fortitude can help guide your youth athletes (or yourself) back to the things that matter most.
In strength,