Every Tuesday, I have a “Little Chat with Shannon” live stream in the 52 Cues Community. This topic was on my mind recently.

Let’s talk about “Crisis Mode.” Dave and I have several “modes” that we operate in from time to time. It’s just life! For instance, we have a “Production Mode,” “Non-Constructive Down Time,” and of course, Crisis Mode. It’s one of the most challenging.

Production Mode: Efficiency Over Politeness

Picture producing a live event or theatrical production - a bustling stage where every second counts. That's what we refer to as 'production mode'. It is when politeness takes a backseat, replaced by (usually) urgent commands and instant action.

In such an environment, instructions need to be concise and assertive. Production mode can appear to be rude for folks who are not familiar with the theatrical environment. I’ll never forget the “dear in headlights” moment when I took things too far with three sweet little old church ladies. Oops! I had to dial it back a bit.

In essence, production mode is not intended to offend, but rather to keep things running smoothly and on schedule. When we know we’re in production mode, we are careful to be as polite as possible - but also careful not to take offense, but rather get the job done. It can be an ego check! Ultimately, there’s a time and place for everything, and we can laugh and hang out over a drink after the show.

Non-Constructive Downtime: The Sweet Indulgence of Doing Nothing

On the other hand, 'non-constructive downtime' is all about stepping away from it all. These are the days when you can unplug entirely, leaving behind obligations and duties to bask in the serene glow of sheer relaxation - even if it's something as simple as watching Star Trek. Dave and I both love what we do, and we can tend to OVER-do it. That’s a fast path to frustration and burnout!

Non-constructive downtime is an antidote to our workaholic tendencies, providing much-needed respite and recharge.

Crisis Mode: The Unwelcome Necessity

Life has a habit of throwing curveballs, and this is where we enter Crisis Mode. It’s not fun! But knowing what it is and how to handle it can make all the difference.

Crisis Mode goes into effect when unexpected events—like a family emergency or an intense work period—demand immediate attention, forcing everything else to fall away. These are the moments when our bodies are on constant high-alert, fueled by adrenaline and anxiety.

When we lived in Memphis, TN, Dave and I lived in Crisis Mode almost continually for several years. We loved our jobs, but it came at a price! Living in crisis mode for extended periods is unhealthy and can quickly lead to burnout. It is a state designed for brief periods, enabling us to tackle immediate threats. However, in today's world, with its barrage of information and responsibilities, we can often find ourselves stuck in this mode for far longer than we should.

Navigating Crisis Mode

If you find yourself dwelling in crisis mode, remember these three crucial steps:

1. Create Space: If you foresee a period of crisis approaching, plan for it. Delegate where you can, delay non-urgent tasks, and create the necessary room in your schedule to deal with the crisis.

2. Communicate: Let the people closest to you know that you're in crisis mode. Understanding each other's stress levels can foster patience and support, reducing friction in your immediate environment.

3. Self Forgiveness: In crisis mode, some things will inevitably fall through the cracks. It's important to practice self-forgiveness during these periods. Acknowledge that your focus on the crisis at hand may cause you to overlook other tasks. And when you do overlook something or drop the ball, be sure to “clean that up” with the folks affected. Taking responsibility and apologizing goes a long way toward healing any awkwardness and preserving important relationships.

Learning from Crisis Mode

As I mentioned earlier, Dave and I lived in crisis mode for about a decade due to our work commitments and the sheer passion for what we did. However, prolonged periods in crisis mode, even due to “good stress,” are not sustainable. Understanding this, and learning to step back when necessary, is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining overall well-being.

The next time you find yourself in crisis mode, be kind to yourself, extend understanding to others, and remember that it's temporary. This too shall pass, and until then, do your best, acknowledge your limitations, and keep moving forward.

As we say in the south, 'Lord willing and the creek don't rise', I'll be back next Tuesday with more insights and experiences. Till then, take care and remember: it's okay not to be perfect.

Goodbye for now, and I look forward to our next chat.

This is what I’m currently reading:

“12 Notes on Life and Creativity” — Quincy Jones

CLICK HERE