‘In terms of the game theory, we might say the universe is so constituted as to maximize play. The best games are not those in which all goes smoothly and steadily toward a certain conclusion, but those in which the outcome is always in doubt. Similarly, the geometry of life is designed to keep us at the point of maximum tension between certainty and uncertainty, order and chaos. Every important call is a close one. We survive and evolve by the skin of our teeth. We really wouldn’t want it any other way.’-George Leonard
MUCH have been said and written about the pockets of wars, viral infections, corruption, hunger, floods, earthquakes, impeachment trial, and more. We live in chaotic and uncertain times. In the realm of the business world, there is that very primary program of emergency, crisis and business continuity management; in simple terms, risk management. On a personal level, what is the counterpart?
Social media, access to information (both legitimate and fake), the speed of communication and robust technological advancement facilitate informing/mis-informing the populace. How does one overcome the ‘overload’ of information that impacts on one’s mental health? How does one ‘survive’ chaos and uncertainty?
Resilience comes to mind. It is the modality to adopt in times of disruptions and uncertainty. Basically, it is the capacity to take on the challenges and recover, and the ability to bounce back.
On a layman’s level, what can one consider to adopt in uncertain and challenging/chaotic times?
May I suggest the following:
Control social media intake.
Do not readily believe everything thereon.
Focus only on things one can change or influence.
Stay positive within one’s limitations. and
Stay calm during high stress.
Some reminders, too:
One cannot control or change the world by oneself; and
One does not have the monopoly over what is right and good, and how to manage.
Some parting words: Pray, work, eat, and rest; then, repeat.
Conchita L. Manabat is an incorporator and the president of the Development Center for Finance, an incorporator and Trustee of San Carlos School of Cebu Inc. and a Trustee of the Coalition of Services for the Elderly. Dr. Manabat is also an incorporator of and Lifetime Fellow at the Institute of Corporate Directors and a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Council of the International Federation for Ethics and Audit. She also chairs the Advisory Council of the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes (IAFEI). The views and opinions she expressed herein are hers and do not necessarily represent the BusinessMirror.