What US Navy Seals can teach us about uncertainty

I’m going to help you make better decisions when the world is uncertain. So, for this video, I’m turning to the U.S. Navy SEALs for lessons on how to cope with stress and uncertainty and still accomplish your goals.

Friends, we’re dealing with more uncertainty than most of us have ever faced before. And as the months drag on, the stress and uncertainty are taking a toll.

Fortunately, we’ve got somewhere to turn for help. The US Navy SEALs undergo some of the most stressful training in the world, and they can teach us a thing or two about thriving in challenging situations.

Lesson # 1: “Embrace the circumstances.” Life throws us curveballs. Sometimes, more than one at a time. We can’t control or avoid them, but we can switch our attitude to one of acceptance and mental readiness for the challenges ahead.

Lesson # 2: When you’re feeling overwhelmed, move the goalposts closer. Overwhelm is a sign that you’re trying to do too much. On the other hand, breaking decisions and challenges into small, manageable victories can give you a feeling of accomplishment and shift your brain out of analysis paralysis.

Lesson # 3: When you’re stuck in the mud, start singing. When you feel powerless or negative, it’s another way of saying and taking a small action to shift into a positive mindset and exert some control.

For example, we cannot control the markets, but we can make a financial plan. We cannot cure the coronavirus, but we can mitigate our risk of infection. We cannot predict the economy, but we can triple-check our backup plans.

As a financial professional, I’m a student of psychology and human behavior as much as I am of economics and finance. After years of working with clients, I’ve discovered that your mindset and behavior have a greater impact on your financial success than the markets.

I love learning ways to make better decisions under stress. Do you have any that you’ve learned and would like to share? If you have a question about what I’ve discussed or you’d like to speak personally about what’s going on, don’t hesitate to request a call or use the contact form below to send us a message. One of my team members will respond to set up an opportunity to discuss your specific situation.

This is Bruce Hosler wishing you success and confidence from knowing you have a plan to deal with all of life’s ‘moments of truth.