A recent Yahoo poll concluded that, ‘Election Dread’ is the number one feeling when Americans think about an upcoming election. 

As we have heard from a past president (Franklin Roosevelt), “the biggest fear is fear itself.”  

There has never been a period in human history – no matter the decade, century, or location – where the future was certain. Sure, some periods have been more stable than others, lending to a greater feeling of security; but even the best forecasts, experts, and statistics can’t account for everything. There are simply too many variables. 

And yet, here are the facts related to business and elections. Fact number one, millions of businesses continue through elections and don’t experience the ‘dread’. Fact number two, many businesses have been around for a hundred years, and have gone through scores of elections, and yet, they’re still here. 

The conclusion – an upcoming election should never get in the way of goals and dreams. Denying yourself of an opportunity because of some ‘maybe dire circumstance’ is folly. Your long-term plan should remain your long-term plan regardless of election outcomes. 

Any anticipated fiscal change, regardless of how dire you think it could be, will not have an effect on business, if there really is a significant effect at all, for months and months following an election, and then it’s time for the next election. As we said, businesses have gone through scores of elections and the sky has not fallen. 

The sad problem is, people have postponed dreams because of impending elections, and then postponed them again, and then postponed them again. Then the dream dissipates into oblivion.  

The only loss is in the postponement, in the loss of the dream. 

Humans tend to avoid the unknown, becoming risk-averse when there are factors outside their control. It makes sense, right? We want as much information as possible before making big, life-changing decisions. This can lead to a pattern of postponing or delaying action, waiting for a nonexistent time where the future feels 100% certain.  

Let’s be honest – there has been a lot of global uncertainty in the past few years. It might feel like more than usual. And there’s more on the horizon, whether it be political, economic, or environmental. A lot of people might consider holding off on career changes, moves, or other investments until a question they have about any of these factors is answered. It’s tempting to fall into the ‘better the devil you know’ mindset.  

We hear this a lot, working with professionals looking to step into entrepreneurship. You’re sure you’re going to do it, have been dreaming of doing it, but are waiting until after the next election cycle, after the economy settles down, and so on. In your mind, that’s a fixed date in the future when things are more certain. In reality? That date of certainty almost never arrives. 

So, what’s the answer? How can you navigate periods of economic or political uncertainty without missing out on opportunities to advance your life?  

The first thing to keep in mind is that the consequences of political and cultural changes don’t reach every level of business. Impact is commonly felt in areas like the stock market, where uncertainty leads to less investment. However, largely, other areas of business must endeavor to operate normally. Groceries and clothes must still be sold, trades services still must be performed, costs must be controlled, and so on. Meaning, unless you are dead set on becoming a day trader, it’s likely still as good a time as any to invest in yourself. 

Election-based anxiety causes more harm than any actual election does, and it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy perpetrated on yourself. 

Most businesspeople would tell you, when they think back to all the elections that took place while they operated their business, there really were no big differences in the months before or the months after any election.  

Common sense says that upcoming elections should not alter your long-term plans, your goals, or your dreams. 

As with most things, when common sense can overcome negative emotions, the day will be won. Those that stay positive and don’t get stuck in ‘dread-mode’ are those that will prosper and leave others behind. 

In fact, it might be the best time to invest in yourself. Finding the right business model – one that is recession proof and resilient through economic shifts – is a time proven way to set yourself up for success in the face of uncertainty. Entrepreneurship is always a risk, but it can be a risk taken strategically and that places you in an advantageous position to fulfill your dreams and change your life for the better.