The world does not slow down for us to catch our breath.

It doesn’t pause while we process, recalibrate, or mourn. Change, often relentless and sometimes cruel, keeps pushing forward. In these moments when the ground shifts beneath us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even paralyzed. But as John Lewis reminded us, “Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society.”

The weight of this moment—whether it’s political instability, systemic injustice, economic uncertainty, or personal upheaval—can press in on us, making focus feel like an impossible task. But now is precisely when we must be vigilant, not complacent. Our anxieties, our fears, and our frustrations are not roadblocks. They are fuel. The trick is in the alchemy: turning that anxiety into action.

Focus as Resistance

In times of crisis, distraction is a weapon wielded against us.

The constant influx of bad news, the performative outrage, and the noise all work to drain our energy and keep us reactive rather than proactive. But as Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, reminds us, “We stand with the demonized so that the demonizing will stop.” Staying focused is an act of defiance. When we refuse to be swept up in fear or cynicism and keep our eyes trained on what actually matters—community, justice, and equity—we reclaim our agency.

This isn’t about blind optimism or naive hope. It’s about disciplined hope, the kind that requires showing up, day after day, even when we are tired, discouraged, and when change feels impossibly slow. It’s the commitment to focus on what we can do rather than being consumed by what we cannot control.

Taking Inventory, Taking Action

Gloria Steinem once said, “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”

If you are feeling anger, anxiety, or frustration, that is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you are awake. The key is in what comes next. Will we allow those feelings to dissipate into exhaustion, or will we direct them toward something tangible?

At this very moment, the federal government is attempting to dismantle the Department of Education, roll back protections for marginalized students, and cut funding for public schools. SNAP benefits, a crucial lifeline for millions of families, are on the chopping block. Affordable healthcare programs face renewed attacks. The push to erode voting rights continues. These are not just policy changes; they are direct assaults on the ability of people to thrive, particularly those already marginalized by systemic inequities.

It can feel Sisyphean: like we are endlessly pushing a boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down again. But we push anyway, not because we expect an easy victory, but because the struggle itself defines our commitment. Like Don Quixote tilting at windmills, there will be times when our battles seem unwinnable. The world will call us foolish for trying, but foolishness in the pursuit of justice is a virtue. The alternative, cynicism, apathy, and surrender, is simply not an option.

Where We Start

Get clear on your priorities. Not everything deserves your attention. Ask yourself what truly matters right now and where you can have the most impact.

Surround yourself with people who remind you of your purpose. Discouragement thrives in isolation. Find those who will challenge and uplift you.

Turn outrage into organizing. Complaining is easy, but action takes discipline. Whether it’s policy work, mutual aid, mentorship, or movement building, channel your frustration into forward momentum.

Engage in advocacy. Call your representatives. Support local leaders who are fighting back. Vote in every election, no matter how small. The erosion of rights happens gradually, and vigilance is our only defense.

Take care of yourself, but don’t check out. Rest is necessary, but avoidance is not rest. True self-care should replenish your energy for the work ahead, not pull you away from it.

Vigilance Over Complacency

Conan O’Brien once said, “All I ask of you is one thing: please don’t be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it’s my least favorite quality, it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” Cynicism is easy, but it does not build movements. It does not create change. It does not sustain hope. Instead, we must reject it in favor of something stronger: resilience, action, and belief in the possibility of transformation. Work hard. Be kind. Be you.

As leaders, changemakers, and people who refuse to sit on the sidelines, our task is to remain vigilant. Not reactive. Not distracted. Vigilant. That means keeping our moral compass intact even when the path forward is unclear. It means embracing adaptive leadership, adjusting our strategies, learning in real-time, and staying nimble without losing sight of our core mission.

The world may be unpredictable, but our response doesn’t have to be. We can be steady. We can be strategic. And most importantly, we can take everything that threatens to paralyze us and transform it into something powerful.

Anxiety into action. Fear into focus. Always forward.

This post was written by Lindsay Harper, United Way of King County’s Chief Philanthropy Officer.