How to Stay Sane in the Middle of Election Uncertainty

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How to Stay Sane in the Middle of Election Uncertainty.

As of the recording of this podcast, it is election day. By the time you listen to this episode, it’s very possible that the election will already be over. I love election day. It reminds me of game day when the Tennessee Vols are playing – except this is much, much bigger and the stakes are much, much higher. I’m one of those who loves to vote on election day. I like waiting in line. I like seeing the crowds. Most of all, I give thanks to God for the ability to freely walk in and to vote my conscience. What a gift. What a great day.

But for some of you, today might be a day of handwringing and anxiety. It might be a day that you are dreading. You might be watching election results tonight with your hands over your eyes. So, I think this podcast will be timely. It is my hope to share one concept that may help you stay sane in the midst of election uncertainty – either before or after election night. It’s simple, but I think it’s powerful. Here it is: focus on what you can affect rather than what you can’t control. People love control. And people love to control as much as possible. But I would contend that the source of much and the worry and anxiety that exists in our world rests in our frustration with not being able to control the world around us. But even the President of the United States cannot control the world around them. This position, as powerful as it is, cannot completely control outcomes. This person can affect outcomes, sometimes in great measure. But there is a difference between controlling and affecting. Let me use a metaphor from the agricultural world. A farmer can’t control the extent of his harvest. But a farmer can affect his harvest. He can go out and till the ground. He can plant seeds. He can fertilize. He can water. This is the difference between actions that affect and actions that attempt to control. You can vote, and I sure hope you have. But you cannot control the outcome of this election. So, regardless of who wins, you will have to wake up and decide what to do tomorrow, and the next and the next. You have choices to make on what you will attempt to affect – choices that really do matter. So, I want to spend this episode sharing a grid with you for processing these choices; a set of questions to help you decide what you want to affect today. I want to arm and equip you to be faithful with the next decision you have before you. As you are trying to decide what the next thing that should get your attention, ask these questions:

1. Ask yourself, is this activity/opportunity worth doing? It’s easy to get distracted by a host of things that get our attention that just aren’t valuable. Perhaps someone asks us to do something. Don’t just do it without thinking. Ask yourself if it is worth doing. Do you constantly complain about not having enough time? It may be because much of your time is going toward things that are not meaningful. You are limited in your time, talent, health, relationships, influence, desires and possessions. You can’t affect everything. But you can affect some things. Based on all of your resources, ask yourself what is worth affecting. What is worth doing?

2. Once you decide that something is worth doing, you must then ask, “Am I the right person to do it?” It may be that this is something that should be done, but maybe you are not the best person to do it. If you work in a small business, there may be other members of your team that would do a better job. Or there may be things for your team that only you can do – so letting others do things that are worth doing frees us your time to be available for those things which no one else can do. Just because something should be done doesn’t mean that you are the one to do it. This is not an excuse to be lazy and let everyone else work instead of you. It is an opportunity for you to identify your unique gifts and to try and engage in the activities that utilize those gifts to their fullest.

3. If you’ve decided that something is worth your specific attention, the last question to ask is “When should it be done.” I believe that one of the most prevalent problems for humanity today is that of misplaced urgency. We make many things urgent that are not. We also don’t make certain things as urgent as they should be. Just because something should be done doesn’t mean that it should be done now. Giving your attention to things in their proper order can help give you peace of mind. There are times when we are like an emergency room doctor, having to triage all the needs that are vying for our attention. We can only do one thing at a time, so we want to develop the skill of rightly prioritizing all of the thing that need our attention. If we can do this, it can slow down the world of hurry that many of us live in every day.

Another thing you can affect is your financial future. You can do this by choosing a great financial partner – not just a bank, but a partner. At Foundation Bank and MBC, we love helping you make decisions that can affect (not control) but affect your financial future. Start a financial conversation with us today by visiting foundationbank.org. We also hope you’ll subscribe this podcast to it in your favorite podcast app and share it on social media. These episodes are not recommendations specific to your own unique circumstances. Please consult your own advisors. Foundation Bank and MBC are a member FDIC and an equal housing lender, and until our next episode, God bless you.

-President Chad P. Wilson, CFP

Today’s episode of “Money Matters” was written and recorded by President Chad P. Wilson of Foundation Bank/McKenzie Banking Company on November 5, 2024. This episode does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a financial professional to discuss your specific needs. Any rates mentioned are subject to change and are accurate as of the recording date. MBC/Foundation Bank is an Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC.