I’ve attempted to write something useful for the last six weeks. Each time, it’s turned somewhat dark and stormy.  2025 has not started gently with national politics, international politics, job markets, and more dark waters. We don’t need more darkness in turbulent times.  

So I wanted to offer something different — finding a few safe harbors if you are navigating difficult days.  You can still accomplish something good by using any of these techniques. You might start by looking at what is anchoring you in unsafe waters.

Look for Anything Uplifting and Bail the Rest

Sometimes I need to give myself space to think.  That means turning off some things to reduce the collection of bilgewater in your mind.  One thing I’ve turned down is the news.  I’ll only catch a few minutes of the morning or evening news to catch highlights.  I do want to stay informed, but I don’t need to hear the same unpleasant news 18 different ways.  That’s toxic and can sink my day.

I’ve also stopped reading MANY newsletters as some just add to the daily turbulence.  As I write this, I’m now thinking of a few more to put on pause.  Now, I just read newsletters that provide me with useful insights or inspiration.

I’m also reducing the number of podcasts I follow.  I usually listen while I’m walking our dog.  However, she is over 10 years old and struggling with age.  So I need to pay attention to her turbulence as we walk.  Given that, I now listen to podcasts that inform or elevate.  If you are looking for something similar, I recommend:

  • The AI Fix and Hard Fork - To keep up with technology with a healthy dose of humor.
  • My Unsung Hero - Usually 5 minutes to remind me there is good in the world.
  • Poetry Unbound - A good 15 minutes spent for a regular dose of art.
  • Clear and Vivid - Alan Alda’s interview series on communication that inspires me on how to inform others; Tip: listen at 1.5x speed and Alan sounds like when he hosted Scientific American television shows.

There may be even more baggage to dump over the side in rough seas.

Don’t Hesitate to Stop Doing What’s Sinking You

As I’ve been doing more 1-to-1 coaching this last year, I recently worked with a client concerned about burnout.  As I heard the different things he was taking on, I asked which activities energized him.  Everything we do costs us some of our energy, but only some activities rejuvenate us.  I asked him to consider what he might let go of that is only draining his energy.  This also makes it easier to navigate each day.

As you think about it, you might realize that certain people can dampen your journey.  Then you realize certain people can re-energize you.  This might bring up memories of people from your past.

Reconnect with Past Safe Harbors

I’ve been reaching out to people I’ve not connected with in many months or years.  We all lose touch with people over time and that’s natural as interests change.  But some people we miss.  There was something special in the conversation or collaboration you had with them in the past.  You might find there is a hole in your soul where they once were.  The joy in being around them was past safe harbors.

These are the people to resist.  You need to go beyond the “how are you” conversation.  That might disturb some murky waters for them. Instead, find out what’s keeping them afloat these days.  How are the people they connect with and re-energize them?  What helps them find some calm seas?  What puts wind in their sails these days?  No, you don’t have to be so nautical.  You can just ask “What brings you joy these days?”  I always find that a good launching point.

As you reconnect with people, you might discover new journeys to launch.

Collaborate to Build New Routes

I’m always up for building something that helps others find a safe harbor.  Recently, Dave Prior and I launched a small course on Productivity Survival to help people who were struggling with overwhelm.  Our first session has already opened up possibilities for our students and definitely brought more energy to Dave and me.  Whether it’s helping a neighbor with a project or assisting with a Habitat for Humanity house, there is something about building together that can be inspiring in many ways.  You never know what other journeys it may launch.

Help Your Mates Where You Can

As someone who has weathered many storms, I find helping others can help me in many ways.  

It’s why I continue to write. For me, this has become an easier task over the years.

Also, it’s why I’m doing more 1-on-1 coaching to help people navigate difficult situations at work, leadership challenges, or charting some new course in their career.  This has become an easier task for me over the years.

So what can you do that has become easier for you but would help others through some stormy seas? My friend Christopher Avery would call this an “efficient gift” in one of his books. Maybe you can do something different, but efficient?  Something that doesn’t expend much energy but can help someone navigate a difficult day.  Let me know in the comments section.

I also hope some of these ideas help you navigate your difficult seas.  Whether we realize it or not, we are all in the same boat. Let’s help each other on the journey.

P.S., In case you are a long-time reader (thank you for that), this article is an example of the Writing To Get Unstuck technique, which is a way of helping get difficult topics out of my head and hopefully provide ideas to others.   Also, if you would like some 1-on-1 coaching or you are curious about the next offering of the Productivity Survival course, feel free to contact me or schedule a time to chat.