Control Your Controllables
You've just been laid off from the job you've had for years, if not decades.
Your world has been torn asunder, and you're wondering what to do next?
How can you regain some amount of stability right now?
Control the controllables.
It's a phrase former NFL quarterback Tom Brady used often in his playing career.
External circumstances are (mostly) out of your control. Stop for a moment and ask yourself: What are the things that you have in your control, right now? What are the things you actually have influence over?
What does controlling what you can control do for you?
It gives you a foundation of stability in a shifting landscape. When everything feels uncertain, focusing on what you can control creates solid ground underneath you. Like building a house, you need to have a strong foundation before you can start throwing up walls. This foundation helps you keep your professional identity even while other aspects of your work life are in flux.
It gives you a better way of handling the anxiety that comes with loss of control. Career transitions often trigger a wave of "what-if" scenarios that can be paralyzing. When you redirect your energy to the things within your control, you turn back the tide of anxiety. This move from anxiety to action will create a positive feedback loop, where every small victory builds confidence and cuts back on stress.
It lets you start taking action, laying out concrete steps for a better tomorrow. Action is the antidote to fear and uncertainty. When you focus on controllable elements, you can create clear, achievable goals and specific steps to reach them. These concrete actions create momentum that builds on itself, turning small daily actions into significant progress over time.
These ideas can help you make the world less overwhelming.
Whether you're facing an unexpected layoff or weighing a voluntary career shift, understanding what's within your control can transform how you chart your professional path. Market shifts, industry disruptions, and organizational changes are inevitable—but your response to them is entirely within your power.
The answer lies in focusing on four key areas that are always within your control: your mindset, your skill development, your professional relationships, and your daily actions.
Your mindset builds the foundation for everything that follows. The outlook you bring to your career journey—be it facing a setback or pursuing a new opportunity—will shape your entire experience. Transitions are chances for growth and reinvention, rather than disruptions. This isn't about Pollyanna-ish forced optimism—you are looking to keep a clear-eyed view of both challenges and possibilities.
Skill development becomes your anchor in uncertain times. In today's rapidly evolving workplace, your most valuable skill is your ability to learn and adapt. Your skill set is a portfolio that needs regular rebalancing. Ask yourself: Which skills are becoming more valuable in your industry? Which emerging areas pique your interest? The time you invest in learning builds your professional capital and increases your resilience to change.
Your professional relationships and network give you both stability and opportunity. Let’s build these relationships before you need them. Regular coffee chats, industry events, and meaningful LinkedIn connections create a web of support that can will give you a lift through transitions. True networking is transformational, rather than transactional: you are building your professional community that grows stronger with each interaction.
The actions you take on a daily basis transform intentions into reality. The path forward isn't about making one perfect decision; it's about making many small, intentional choices that align with your values and goals. Here's what this can look like in practice:
Start your morning well: Start each day with intention. Whether it's exercise, meditation, or simply planning your day, build a routine that grounds you and connects you to your larger career vision.
Invest in your skills: Dedicate regular time to learning. Make skill development a non-negotiable part of your schedule, be it through online courses, professional reading, or hands-on projects.
Build your relationship: Reach out to one person in your network daily. But don’t asking for anything—simply reconnect with them, and share insights, or offer support.
Track your progress: Keep a "wins journal" to document your professional growth, achievements, lessons learned, and progress toward your goals.
Step back and reflect: Wrap up each week by checking in on your direction and adjust your approach where you need to.
Big career transitions rarely happen in one giant leap. They're the result of consistent, intentional actions taken over time.
The real power lies in how you respond to change, whether that change is chosen by you or thrust upon you. Despite contrary opinion, you can't control every circumstance. But what you can control is how you prepare, how you respond, and how ready you are for opportunity. When you focus on these controllables, you actively shape your next career move, rather than just prepare for it.
I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career journey. I’ve written a guide on how to escape the work hamster wheel.
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