The world seems to be upside down: Energy prices are shooting through the roof, AI is changing the rules of the game, and young talents in Germany and Austria are thinking "No, thank you!" rather than "Yes, I'd love to!" when it comes to management tasks, according to a study published in the Schwäbische Zeitung newspaper
Added to this are the various uncertainties caused by political turbulence in the world. The tsunami-sized waves from the USA are particularly troubling - let's be honest, who can ever predict President Trump's course?
While everything seems turbulent outside, a completely different crisis often erupts inside: almost unbearable stress, dramatically high pressure and the constantly nagging question of how to get through it all without an immediate heart attack.
As a responsible business owner and far-sighted entrepreneur in the electroplating industry, you're used to solving problems quickly and efficiently - but sometimes it feels like you're battling an incredible swarm of almost epic challenges.
Crises are tough - or opportunities?
Crises are annoying. Period.
But they also bring potential. They force us to take a closer look and courageously break new ground.
Crises throw us off course and, from one moment to the next, turn everything upside down that was just normal.
It is fascinating to see how differently the word "crisis" is viewed:
- In Greek, krisis means a long-term, massive disruption - be it social, political or economic.
- And in Chinese? Weiji is made up of two characters: wei for threat or danger and ji for chance or opportunity.
- The dictionary also has its own view: A crisis is the climax or turning point of a dangerous situation, the decisive stage in a difficult situation.
And that's exactly what makes it so challenging - it requires us to make the smartest possible decisions.
When I moved from Vienna to Burgrieden in Swabia, I initially felt like I was on a different planet: new people, new industry, new everyday life - and all this in a rural idyll that irritated rather than embraced me. But this crisis made me grow and inspired me to completely rethink my professional career.
What do you do when the pressure mounts?
In uncertain times like these, you need resilience. Sounds difficult, but it's not! Resilience is nothing other than your inner resistance, and you can train it - without expensive courses or esoteric mumbo-jumbo.
Five tips for your resilience (and yes, they really work)
- Do you know the power of gratitude?
Write down three things that went well every evening. The first cappuccino of the day, a smile in a meeting or the solution to a tricky problem - whatever. Small pleasures strengthen your mental resilience. - Networking is worth its weight in gold
Get advice and ideas from other entrepreneurs. Business associations and networks are not just tea parties - they are real treasure troves full of solutions and inspiration. - Switch on the perspective turbo
Crises force us to rethink old patterns. Is your business model still fit for the future? Which innovations could give you the next boost? Think outside the box! - Use technology cleverly
AI and digital tools are not a threat, but your new assistants. Find out how they can save you time, money and nerves. - Take care of yourself - no joke!
Sport, breaks and conscious time-outs not only make you fitter, but also more creative and resilient. If you take good care of yourself, you will also take better care of your company. And you are the best role model for your team.
Your gut feeling is your best advisor
In electroplating - and in life - we can't always wait for all the facts. Good decisions often require the courage to trust your gut feeling. Why? Because the best answers lie dormant in your experiences.
Conclusion: You set the course!
No matter how challenging the times are: It's up to you how you react. Stay courageous, think creatively - and don't forget to have a sense of humor. The world out there won't get any easier, but you can emerge stronger, wiser and more relaxed.
Have you also experienced that new - unexpected! - opportunities arise?
Every crisis holds the irresistible possibility of becoming your moment of madness. A moment to rethink, to act decisively - and perhaps finally to sleep (through) a little more peacefully again.
