How You Can Learn To Thrive In The Most Uncertain Times

There are some situations you don’t expect to learn anything from, like watching an episode of Columbo. I love that show, but I consider it pure entertainment and a light-version at that. I recently took a second look at it with a specific goal in mind–to consider what Columbo might say about our current uncertain times.

The most recent Stress in America Survey by the American Psychological Association found high levels of anxiety. No big surprise there, right? More than 75% of Americans said uncertainty about health issues was a source of stress. And nearly 2 in 3 adults say the current amount of uncertainty in our country is also causing them stress.

Nearly 2 in 3 adults (65%) say the current amount of uncertainty in our nation causes them stress. Further, 3 in 5 (60%) say the number of issues America faces currently is overwhelming to them. This finding speaks to the hardships many Americans may be confronting at this moment. Issues they are stressed about are not going away, they are piling up.

At times like these, we could all use a role model who knows how to thrive in the most uncertain times. Hence, my ‘research’ into Columbo. In case you haven’t seen the show, he always got the most puzzling cases to solve, or he got what seemed to be a simple case and immediately complicated it before he solved it.

In every instance, no matter how uncertain the case seemed, Columbo kept smiling and showing up authentically until he solved the case. Let’s see how he did this so we can learn to thrive in the most uncertain times.

What Columbo can Teach us About Thriving in Uncertain Times

lesson 1

Be Authentic

Can you imagine Columbo without his raincoat, 1959 Peugeot, or cigar? When major changes disrupt your routines, you can remain true to yourself. Make choices in that moment that align with your values and it will help ground you.

lesson 2

Be Curious

Consider replacing doubts and fears with curiosity. Researchers tell us found that children ask more than 70 questions a day, but this curiosity tends to peak around the age of 4. Sharpening your questioning skills will help you gather information and make sounder decisions.

lesson 3

Don't Stop

Columbo was famous for coming back for, 'just one more thing'. To reach your goals, it’s important to persevere through every period of uncertainty. Time will pass whether you keep moving toward your goals or not.

lesson 5

Take a Moment

You’ll enjoy life more if you stop rushing around. Living mindfully enables you to accomplish more with less effort. Take a deep breath and shorten your to do list.

lesson 4

Don't Forget Self-Care

Even with a killer on the loose and everybody doubting him, Columbo would stop to eat a bowl of chili or admire a scenic view. Stay strong by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

Bonus ideas for thriving despite uncertainty

Shift your focus. Devote your time and energy to changing the things that you can control. Let. The. Rest. Go. Go do something constructive when you catch yourself worrying about the global economy or the state of the pandemic.
Resist comparisons. Each of us deals with uncertainty in our own way. Find strategies that work for you instead of judging yourself for being different from your friends or coworkers.
Express gratitude. Make a list of things that you're thankful for. You'll feel more connected to others and more hopeful about the future.
Reach Out. Talk about your thoughts and feelings. Let others know how they can help you. Give generously and practice random acts of kindness.
Limit news consumption. How many hours a day are you spending watching CNN? If politics is making you feel sad and angry, reduce your viewing time.
Remember your achievements. Bolster your confidence. Think about your accomplishments and the challenges you've overcome in the past. Show yourself that you're capable of dealing with your current situation. Experiment with applying your skills and strengths to what's happening now.
Keep learning. At the same time, it's important to stay informed and educated. Monitor current events once or twice a day to discover developments that are relevant for you. Sign up for online courses that will add to your skills and knowledge.
Get counseling. Talking with a counselor may be helpful if you've stopped enjoying the things you usually like to do, or you're withdrawing from family and friends. A brief course of therapy may help you short out your feelings and find effective ways to cope.
Think positive. I know, I know. I talk about positive thinking a lot, but that's because it works. Look at the glass as half-full. Studies show that optimism can enhance your mental and physical well-being.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by our uncertain times, think about what Columbo would do. Thinking positively and getting support from others will help you to handle ambiguity. Let me know below if you have other great ideas!

How You Can Learn to Thrive in the Most Uncertain Times