The thing about crisis is that we all experience it from time to time in our personal and professional work lives. A career dilemma may present itself suddenly and unexpectedly—or it may be the culmination of long-term processes. Many people are going through layoffs, work reductions, disruptions. Financial and psychological hardship may follow. But crossroads also offer defining moments, calls to action and opportunities to make thoughtful choices.

Crisis is defined as, “A crucial or decisive point or situation; a turning point, an emotionally stressful event or traumatic change in a person’s life.” (The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)

Managing through when we’re so thrown off balance takes courage, patience and perspective. You probably know people who have demonstrated tremendous fortitude in the face of very challenging circumstances—and prevailed! They’ve discovered the inner capacity for strength we all share.

Our ability to find workable solutions depends on how we choose to react to the difficulty.

You may be familiar with Viktor Frankl, 1905-1997, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist as well as a Holocaust survivor. He endured such hardship and wrote about it in Man’s Search for Meaning, 1946. He said, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.”

Begin to explore the creative spaces:

1.  We overreact when fearful. While in the throes of a work life crisis, it’s hard to think clearly. Quiet the emotional energy as much as you can. Try to de-escalate the feelings of fear and panic. Exercise often and take special care of yourself to help reduce stress.

2.   As you’re able, begin to marshal your personal support network and draw on the best outside information resources. Keep your communication lines open. Talk through it. Ask for help from trusted, credible sources. Get the insightful perspective you need.

3.  Begin to unravel the problem. What are your immediate needs and goals? What will serve you well over the longer term? Check your assumptions. Examine your options. An action plan will begin to emerge that is energized by your commitment and perseverance.

Try new, fresh approaches. Once you start working on the solutions, you’ll regain your footing and start to move through this crisis.

See more interesting information on crisis.

Times of crisis can be creative times, times when new visions and new possibilities emerge. -Mark Hathaway

Today’s question

Have you been through a work life crisis that produced an unexpected, positive outcome?

Next time: How to Avoid Crisis in Your Work Life