Simple Principles for Getting Through Crisis

Let’s face it—life can throw us curveballs, and lately, it feels like we’ve all been living through a never-ending one. On a recent Looking Forward Our Way podcast episode, we talked about ways we can steer ourselves (and the people around us) through uncertainty and come out stronger on the other side.

First up: this idea called liminality. Sounds fancy, but it basically means being in-between—like standing in a doorway, leaving one room behind and not knowing what’s waiting in the next.

During uncertain times, it’s easy to feel stuck in that doorway, not sure how (or when) things will get better.

At first, when a crisis hits, everyone bands together and starts making plans. But as weeks turn into months, that excitement fades and can leave us feeling burned out or even kind of hopeless. Getting back on track takes a conscious effort: leaning on our friends or family, and adjusting our outlook to focus on the next step forward.

Here’s where some real-life advice comes in—these are the principles that can help:

Everything Worthwhile Is Uphill

The good stuff in life is hardly ever easy. There’s no shortcut! Real growth means effort. If you feel like you’re slogging up a mountain, remind yourself that the best views are at the top, and every step counts toward something meaningful.

There Is Always an Answer

It’s easy to panic in a crisis, but reminding yourself that there’s always a solution lets you shift gears and start looking for it. Instead of dwelling on problems, start brainstorming fixes. Even if they’re small.

And if you’re leading others, this mindset can lift the whole group.

Let Adversity Teach You Who You Are

Hard times can be a mirror. Instead of getting stuck, pause and check out what strengths you have that can help you adapt. Whether it’s a new skill, a hidden talent, or just some inner grit, you might surprise yourself with what you find.

Be Realistically Positive

This isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about digging deep, being honest with yourself, and choosing to focus on the good. Where our minds go, our energy follows—so try to put that energy into stuff that’s actually helping you move forward.

Feed Your Faith, Starve Your Fears

Whether “faith” means believing in yourself or in something bigger, you want to nurture it. There’s a classic story about two wolves—one of love and the other of fear. The one that wins? The one you feed. So try to spend more time on things that lift you up rather than bring you down.

Motion Shapes Emotion

You don’t have to be owned by your emotions! Do something—take a walk, call a friend, get moving. Even a tiny action can help you break out of a funk. Your biology responds, too; your body can’t always tell the difference between stress and excitement, so it can help to flip the script in your mind.

What’s cool is that these principles aren’t just for global pandemics—they work for regular, everyday drama too. Step back, think about where your energy’s going, and take one small action in a better direction.

All these ideas were sparked by the guest on the podcast, Orelle Jackson. She’s a fantastic leader and coach who’s been helping people and organizations tackle transitions and discover their potential. A big thanks to her for sharing all this wisdom; it’s definitely the kind of advice you’ll want to keep handy for whatever life throws your way next.

In Navigating Through Crisis, Pt 2, Orelle joins us again to complete the various stages of crisis transition.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.