Find peace in a time of chaos

A sense of unease has settled over the country—a shared anxiety fueled by headlines, social media, and persistent uncertainty about the future. From escalating conflicts in the Middle East to disturbing incidents of political violence here at home, Americans across the spectrum are grappling with instability and disruption. This isn’t just partisan fatigue or angst—it’s a broader disorientation about who we are as a nation and where we’re headed.

As an avid scuba diver, I (Craig) have learned that when seasickness strikes, the best remedy is to focus on the horizon. In times of uncertainty, we need that same kind of long-range perspective.

America, while powerful, is relatively young. History is replete with examples of empires experiencing internal strife. Fareed Zakaria’s Age of Revolutions documents this phenomenon with precision. While historical parallels don’t alleviate our present anxieties, they can offer a broader context.

One reason this moment feels so disorienting is that there’s often a gap between expectations and reality. Many of us grew up with a hopeful, sometimes idealized narrative of American progress and unity. Today’s polarized discourse, political violence, and institutional tensions can challenge that view. But rather than disengage, we need to adapt—and recommit.

In moments of uncertainty, our instincts may be to fight, flee, or freeze. But when we try to do all three at once, we risk exhaustion and paralysis. Freezing—tuning out or giving up—feels safe, but it’s unsustainable. Instead, we advocate for a balanced approach: fight and flight, both with intention.

Fight: Civic engagement as a steadying force

To fight is to stay constructively engaged. That means seeking out credible, fact-based news. It means voting and encouraging others to do the same. It means participating in civil dialogue and seeking to understand perspectives that differ from our own—empathy can bridge divides.

Leaders in business, nonprofits, and communities all have a role to play. Upholding the rule of law, supporting fair elections, and defending the institutions that sustain our economy and civic life aren’t political acts—they’re commitments to stability and shared progress.

At Leadership Now Project[DA1] , we’ve mobilized business leaders from both parties to take action, supporting policies that protect democracy, engaging with policymakers, speaking out publicly, defending election officials, and recognizing courageous leadership. These efforts are grounded in principle, not partisanship, because a strong democracy is essential to a thriving economy.

Flight: Protecting peace isn’t escapism—it’s strategic

Flight doesn’t mean tuning out—it means stepping back to preserve focus and clarity. In an era of constant information overload, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But we can’t let the noise drown out the signal.

This means prioritizing what truly matters: health, relationships, and purpose. It means limiting the distractions that drain us and being intentional about how we spend our energy.

Whether through mindfulness, service, or simple moments of joy, finding inner stability helps us stay grounded. It’s what allows us to show up consistently, over the long term.

Holocaust survivor and psychologist Viktor Frankl once wrote that while we can’t always control our circumstances, we can choose our response. That mindset—anchoring in purpose and positivity even amid chaos—can help us move forward with clarity and resolve.

Find purpose

In short: Even in uncertainty, we can find purpose. Even amid division, we can choose to build. The storm may not pass quickly, but we are far from powerless.

When we anchor ourselves in values—curiosity, leadership, accountability—we become more resilient. And when we come together across differences, we remind ourselves that the story of this country has always been written by people who chose to engage, to hope, and to act.

We are not alone. And the horizon is there to help us refocus.

Daniella Ballou-Aares is the founder and CEO of the Leadership Now Project. Craig Robinson is founding member of Leadership Now Project.