Feeling Overwhelmed? Channel Your Inner Janet and Take Control

Firstly, How are you? I ask because we are living through unprecedented times—though, honestly, it feels like we've been saying that for the past five years. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump's second term in office, I think we could all use some precedented, normal, even downright mundane times. But here we are.

Over the past few weeks, friends, family, and members of my wider community have been reaching out, looking for support, guidance, and ways to navigate this moment. And if that's you, please—keep reaching out. I don't have all (or even most) of the answers, but what I do know is that this moment presents an invitation: an invitation to radical focus.

Steve Bannon, one of Trump's most vocal allies, has openly stated their strategy: “flood the zone”—create so much chaos that people shut down, too overwhelmed to act. And looking around, it's easy to see that strategy at play. Whether you're an NGO in Dakar grappling with the dismantling of USAID or a now-former federal employee in D.C., the zone feels flooded.

But here's the truth: while we can all do something, we can't do everything. The invitation before us is to focus on what's within our control—to get into what I call the Janet Jackson Zone (IYKYK).

Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, describes three zones that shape our lives:

The Zone of Concern – the things that worry us but that we can't directly change.

The Zone of Influence – where we can't dictate others' actions, but we can model a different way forward.

The Zone of Control – the actions we can take: caring for ourselves, supporting one another, helping friends find jobs, funding opportunities, strengthening organizations that serve our communities, and mobilizing against assaults on civil and human rights.

If we focus solely on what concerns us, we risk spiraling into despair. But when we lean into what we can control and influence, we reclaim our power.

If you're looking for clarity on what's in your control and how to move through this moment—personally and professionally—coaching might help. Let's talk. Book a Discovery Call today.