Finding Your Center

Finding Your Center in a World at 110% Capacity

In times of chaos, that "scatter-brained" feeling isn't just a distraction—it’s a symptom.

The more powerless we feel to tame the chaos around us, the harder it becomes to focus on what’s right in front of us. Whether it’s navigating a shifting political landscape, managing a business, or helping a high school senior choose a college, the mental load is heavy.

Recently, a client told me, “I snapped at my team today—again. I didn't mean to, but I just lost it.” She isn't alone. When we are over capacity, "losing it" is often just a sign that we’re trying to carry too much without a foundation to stand on. So, how do we regain our footing? How do we ground ourselves enough to make an impact in our businesses, families, and communities?

We look to the elite: Olympic athletes.

Even when their home countries are in turmoil, the world’s best performers lean on two specific "anchors" to stay steady under pressure. We can do the same.

1. The Power of Grounding Routines

The human brain is wired to seek routine. It provides the foundation upon which we build creativity and find our genius.

For me, it starts with coffee and journaling. On the days when even that feels difficult, I pivot to an anchoring routine of gratitude. Just as an athlete pauses, closes their eyes, and takes a deep breath before a record-breaking attempt, we can use small routines to reset.

• The Micro-Routine: Before your next big meeting or a difficult conversation with a family member, take thirty seconds to breathe and center yourself. These small moments of intentionality create a routine that fosters success.

2. The Necessity of Supportive Relationships

Routine helps us manage ourselves, but we also need a place to put the weight down. Athletes dealing with social or political unrest rely on "safe harbor" relationships to find mental rest.

True support isn't about "fixing" the problem; it’s about providing a space where:

• Emotions are safe: You can vent without judgment or fear of your feelings being shared.

• Validation is the priority: The focus is on supporting you, not just solving the task.

• The power is balanced: This is usually a peer or a "work BFF"—someone who understands the stakes but doesn't have a stake in your performance.

When we have a place to offload the mental stress, we sleep better, we think clearer, and we stop "snapping" at the people we lead.

Join the Conversation

What routine do you use to ground yourself when things feel out of control? Do you have that "safe harbor" person who lets you vent so you can actually find some mental rest?

Share this with someone who helps you carry the load and who helps you "put down" your heavy stress this week.