Change, uncertainty, and pressure are part of leadership. But when everything around you starts to feel chaotic, when systems break down, plans stall, and the path ahead is unclear, it can be easy to lose your grounding.

Here are 3 ways leaders can stay steady and empowered, even when the world feels like it’s spinning:

1. Find Stability by Taking Action

In times of uncertainty, it’s tempting to wait for clarity before making a move. But often, it’s the action itself that brings clarity.

One leader facing disruptions and uncertainty in was advised to focus on a concrete next step. Even that small act of forward momentum helped her feel more grounded.

The lesson? Don’t wait for everything to make sense. Choose a clear, simple action, and begin.

2. Celebrate Wins, Even in Hard Times

It’s surprisingly common for high-achieving leaders to skip over their own progress. If things aren’t perfect, they don’t allow themselves to feel proud.

But when you ignore the good just because the big picture feels bad, you miss a critical opportunity to build resilience.

Pause to notice what is going well. Did you hit a milestone? Make progress on a difficult task? Take a moment, breathe it in. Celebrating doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff. It means giving your nervous system a break from being constantly on alert.

3. Separate Your Worth from Outside Approval

Many people unconsciously tie their self-worth to authority figures, whether it's a boss, funder, or institution. When external feedback is uncertain or critical, it can feel like a personal judgment.

But real leadership starts when you separate your value from other people’s opinions.

Ask yourself:

• What do I know to be true about my work and its impact?
• If no one clapped or criticized, would I still stand by this decision?

Building internal confidence doesn’t mean ignoring feedback. It means not letting your self-worth rise and fall with every outside voice.