Let me tell you something I’ve learned—both as a clinical psychologist and as an executive coach who’s worked with thousands of professionals around the world: when uncertainty knocks, negativity often answers the door.

It’s easy to slip into that trap. The economy dips. Your agency announces budget cuts. Your colleague gets let go. Suddenly, your mind starts spinning stories: Am I next? What’s going to happen to my career? Should I even bother trying anymore? Where do I turn?

I get it. These are difficult times. The kind of times that leave good people staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m. or clenching their jaws at the slightest bit of office gossip.

But here's the hard truth: negativity doesn’t protect you. It poisons you.

Negativity isn’t strength. It doesn’t make you more alert or prepared. It makes you more bitter, stressed, and emotionally drained. It clouds your thinking, erodes your confidence, and, worst of all, it turns you into someone others want to avoid—especially decision-makers who might otherwise be inclined to help you rise.

Let’s talk about the emotional cost. When you let negativity take root, it impacts your mental health. Your nervous system stays on edge. Your sleep gets hijacked. Your focus fractures. Over time, your sense of self shrinks because all you’re doing is reacting—not responding, not leading, not planning, and definitely not progressing.

And professionally? The damage can be even greater. I’ve coached folks who had all the talent and all the training in the world but sabotaged their careers by becoming chronic complainers. The bitterness that started as self-protection became their personal brand.

So, what should you do instead?

Here are five strategies I share with my clients—real professionals, just like you—who have learned to face uncertainty without feeding that negativity monster.

1. Control What You Can, Let Go of the Rest

Uncertainty thrives when we try to control things outside our reach. So, stop trying. Focus instead on what’s within your power. You can control how you show up every day. You can choose to upgrade your skills. You can decide how you respond to challenges.

Take Priya, one of my clients. She worked in a department that was constantly shifting priorities, managers, and even office locations. Instead of spiraling, she anchored herself by building a rock-solid morning routine and focusing on overdelivering in areas she could influence. Within six months, while other people were being let go, she was promoted—twice.

2. Use Uncertainty as a Mirror for Growth

Uncertainty reveals your default operating system. Are you wired for panic—or progress?

Jomo, a federal contractor I coached in D.C., used to panic every time contract renewals came up. Through our sessions, he realized that he tied his self-worth to job security. Once we unpacked that, he started focusing on his network, updating his certifications, and even began mentoring others. By the time his contract ended, he had three offers waiting.

Uncertainty showed him where he needed to grow.

3. Find Your Center—Daily

This is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Whether it’s journaling, meditating, walking in silence, or reading spiritual texts—whatever centers you, do it. Every. Single. Day.

Negativity grows in noisy minds. Silence, reflection, and intentional grounding practices help you cut through the fog.

4. Surround Yourself With Forward-Thinkers

Misery loves company—and that company loves lunchroom gossip and late-night doomscrolling.

Choose your circle with care. Seek out those who are optimistic—but not naive. Realists who believe in resilience. Partners in possibility.

Ada, a mid-level administrator from a Caribbean country, decided to stop hanging out with colleagues who complained endlessly. She instead joined a virtual group of professionals who were focused on innovation in government services. Six months later, she launched a cross-agency project that landed her on a regional ‘panel’.

Choose your energy.

5. Invest in a Roadmap—Don’t Just Drift

Let’s be honest: Most professionals aren’t lazy. They are competent and knowledgeable. But in today’s cut-throat environment they are lost.

That’s why I created The Success Path Blueprint for Professionals. It’s a nine-step program built specifically for professionals who are facing turbulence and want to not only survive but thrive.

I walk you step-by-step through how to:

• Clarify your true professional goals

• Build emotional resilience to face adversity head-on

• Create a results-driven career action plan

• Develop leadership presence, even if you’re not in leadership

• And most of all—stop being a victim of uncertainty and become the architect of your career

If you’re struggling with the questions “What should I do now?” or “What’s going to happen to me?”—you need more than reassurance. You need direction. This course gives you just that.

I want you to hear me on this: You are not powerless. You are not stuck. You are not doomed.

You may be in a tough spot. The world might be spinning around you. But you can ground yourself. You can chart a new path.

Negativity will always be the easier choice. But it’s also the deadliest one.

If you want to protect your career, your mental health, and your future—you need clarity, resilience, and a blueprint.

And I’m here to offer you all three.

Let’s walk that Success Path together.

Reach out and contact me.

—

Dr. Marcus Mottley
Clinical Psychologist | Executive Coach
Creator of The Success Path Blueprint for Professionals