We live in a time of profound transition. Many of the old systems, norms, and institutions are shifting or breaking down, yet the new world that will replace them has not fully emerged. This in-between phase—marked by uncertainty, upheaval, and unpredictability—can feel disorienting and frustrating. It’s easy to feel stuck, powerless, or disconnected when the path forward is unclear. But this period of flux is also a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact, even before the new world takes shape.
Making a meaningful impact during times of change requires a different approach. Instead of relying on the clarity of a defined destination, it involves cultivating a mindset that values the process of transformation itself. It’s about influencing what you can, finding purpose in small actions, and being a steadying force amidst the chaos. This article explores how to create meaningful impact when the new world is still emerging and offers strategies for embracing your role in this evolving narrative.
Understanding the Current State of Transition
The feeling that we’re living in a “between-worlds” moment is not just a personal sentiment; it’s a global phenomenon. Technological advancements, social movements, economic shifts, and environmental changes are all contributing to a sense that the familiar world is disintegrating, while the new one is yet to be fully realized. This phase is sometimes referred to as a liminal space—a threshold where the old way of being no longer serves, but the new one is still uncertain.
Liminal spaces are inherently uncomfortable. They strip away old certainties and expose us to the unknown. But they are also where true innovation, growth, and transformation occur. Like a seed buried in the soil, the potential for new life is present, but it’s still fragile and unformed. In this context, creating impact means nurturing that potential, even if we don’t yet know what shape it will take.
Why Impact Feels Elusive in Uncertain Times
During times of stability, making an impact is straightforward. Goals are clear, progress is measurable, and strategies are well-defined. However, in transitional periods, this clarity is replaced by ambiguity. It’s difficult to know where to direct your energy or how to measure success when the ground keeps shifting beneath your feet.
This uncertainty can lead to feelings of overwhelm, frustration, or even apathy. Many people hesitate to take action, fearing that their efforts will be wasted or irrelevant in a future that’s still undefined. The risk is that, in waiting for the “right” moment or a clear vision of what’s next, we become passive observers rather than active participants in shaping the new world.
Reframing Impact: A Shift in Perspective
To create meaningful impact when the future is uncertain, we need to reframe our understanding of impact itself. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, we should concentrate on intentional engagement—showing up fully in the present moment and doing what we can, where we are, with what we have. This shift allows us to act with purpose, even when we don’t have a clear picture of where things are headed.
Creating impact in a time of transition is less about building lasting monuments and more about planting seeds of change. It’s about influencing the direction of growth, fostering resilience, and serving as a bridge between what was and what will be. This mindset acknowledges that our efforts might not bear fruit immediately or in the ways we expect, but they still hold intrinsic value.
Strategies for Creating Meaningful Impact During Transition
Here are some strategies for making a meaningful impact, even when the new world has not yet emerged:
1. Embrace Uncertainty and Act Anyway
Uncertainty can be paralyzing, but it doesn’t have to prevent meaningful action. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or a clear vision, start where you are. Focus on small, purposeful actions that align with your values and contribute positively, no matter how minor they may seem. These incremental steps create momentum and build a foundation for the future, even if the ultimate direction is still unclear.
For instance, if you’re passionate about social change but unsure of the larger trajectory, start by volunteering locally, mentoring others, or sharing educational resources. These small acts might not create systemic change overnight, but they generate ripples that can influence others and shape the collective mindset.
2. Cultivate a Mindset of Experimentation
Transition periods are ripe for experimentation. When the world is in flux, old rules don’t always apply, and there is room to test new ideas and approaches. Adopt a mindset that values learning and adaptation over perfection. Try new initiatives, explore different roles, and see setbacks as opportunities for refinement rather than as failures.
Ask yourself: What can I explore now that wouldn’t have been possible in a more rigid system? Perhaps you can experiment with new ways of organizing, create unconventional partnerships, or test creative solutions that might not fit traditional frameworks. Embracing experimentation opens up pathways that might otherwise remain hidden.
3. Be a Stabilizing Presence
In a time of uncertainty, there’s immense value in being a source of stability. Whether you’re in a leadership role, part of a community, or navigating personal relationships, strive to be a steadying influence. Listen deeply, offer support, and show up consistently. This doesn’t mean being stagnant or resistant to change, but rather, being a calm, grounded presence that helps others find their footing.
Being a stabilizing force doesn’t require grand gestures. It could be as simple as maintaining open communication, offering encouragement, or helping others manage stress and anxiety. By creating a sense of psychological safety, you enable those around you to think more clearly, act more effectively, and contribute their best efforts.
4. Focus on Building Connections and Community
In transitional times, individual actions can feel like drops in the ocean. But when those drops are combined, they create powerful waves. Focus on building connections and strengthening your community. Collaboration is essential in uncertain times, as it allows people to pool resources, share insights, and create a collective impact that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Consider forming support groups, organizing community events, or starting dialogue circles where people can discuss their experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future. When people come together to share their voices and visions, it not only fosters a sense of belonging but also lays the groundwork for the future world to take shape.
5. Champion the Values You Want to See in the New World
Even when the future is unclear, our values can serve as a guiding star. Focus on embodying and championing the values you want to see in the new world. If you envision a future marked by justice, empathy, and sustainability, start by integrating those principles into your own life and work.
Speak up for fairness, advocate for compassionate policies, and strive to live sustainably, even in small ways. Your actions set an example and create a ripple effect. By staying true to your values, you contribute to shaping the moral and ethical foundation of the emerging world, making it more likely to reflect the ideals you hold dear.
Measuring Impact in Times of Uncertainty
One of the challenges of creating impact during transition is that traditional metrics—such as success, completion, or tangible outcomes—may not apply. Instead, consider measuring impact through:
- Process Over Outcome: Focus on the quality of your engagement rather than specific results. Are you showing up with integrity, curiosity, and resilience?
- Influence Over Scale: Impact isn’t always about reaching the most people. Even influencing one person’s mindset or inspiring a small group can have profound effects over time.
- Adaptability Over Certainty: Success in times of change often hinges on your ability to adapt and respond thoughtfully to shifting circumstances. Measure your impact by how well you navigate change rather than by rigid benchmarks.
A New World in the Making
When the new world has not yet emerged, it’s easy to feel insignificant or powerless. But history shows that the greatest changes often come from those who are willing to act with purpose and courage in times of uncertainty. Your efforts today—whether they seem small or unremarkable—are laying the groundwork for the future.
By embracing uncertainty, acting with intention, and championing the values you believe in, you become a co-creator of the new world. You are shaping the path forward, even if you can’t see the destination. The new world is being built right now, in every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment of courage. And your impact, no matter how invisible it may seem, is part of that unfolding story.
