Focusing on what we can control during uncertain times
Posted by admin on Feb. 11, 2026 / Subscribe 0
For good or bad, I’m a glass-half-full kind of person. I can always find a silver lining or a positive thread to hold on to to make the best out of challenging situations – probably to a fault.
But I’ll be honest, friends, 2026 has already felt full. In conversations with our members, fellow board members, colleagues and friends, I know I’m not alone. It’s only February, yet the pace of change has been fast, and the headlines haven’t exactly been light.
National and international news is heavy. Reports of job cuts across multiple industries keep coming, and our profession is among those with many job seekers who are finding it difficult to land a new role.
So what can we do during these times of rapid change and uncertainty?
My mantra is: focus on the things you can control. So far, it’s served me well. When things feel too big, I look for the pieces that I can control. It can be my attitude, a positive versus a negative reaction, and oftentimes I try to reframe and look at a situation through a different lens.
It’s important for us as public relations and communications professionals to be the positive lights and voices of reason during challenging times. Let’s not forget (we should all know this by heart when describing our role), public relations is the management function that establishes and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and the publics on whom its success or failure depends.
We are responsible for building relationships for our organizations. Solid, trustworthy and transparent relationships are more important now than ever.
Building and strengthening your professional and personal relationships is critical, especially during tough times. Camaraderie and knowing you’ve got a crew who understands what you do and can share experiences is invaluable.
If that’s something you’re looking for, I encourage you to check out PRSA Dallas membership, and if you’re already a member, check out ways to get involved in our committees. We’re always looking for new volunteers and welcome all our members to reach out to learn more.
In February we have a number of great ways to connect with PRSA nationally and locally. Be sure to check out PRSA National’s regular updates along with our local chapter newsletter.
This month, we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group is hosting virtual sessions which are free to PRSA members.
Here locally, we’ll have our first member meetup of 2026 on Wednesday, February 18, at Ida Claire in Addison. It’s a fantastic way to connect with fellow members in a small-group setting.
And we have a fantastic monthly program planned for Friday, February 27, to be in the room with North Texas’ FIFA World Cup 2026 leaders Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission and President, North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, and Dan Hunt, President of FC Dallas and Co-Chair, North Texas FWC Organizing Committee. Since 2023 PRSA Dallas has had front row seats to this exciting journey thanks to Joe Trahan, Director of PR and Communications, North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and the team at Tony Fay PR. We’re excited to share this opportunity with our members and the North Texas PR community.
Please always feel free to reach out to me with questions or to flag areas you’d like us to cover in our blog and/or programs - [email protected]
I hope to see you in February!
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