Sometimes you’re thrown into a situation that makes a mess of your well-laid plans.

And sometimes you’re thrown into a situation that’s ten times more complicated than that.

Perhaps budgets and staff are being slashed at the company where you work…and fast.

Or the stock market…well…we don’t need to go into that. We’ve all seen the wild ride the stock market offers at times.

Or a key member of your team decides to move to another company.

Even worse, they’ve been lured away by your key competitor. And you don’t have anyone to backfill their knowledge and customer connections.

Or an always-healthy loved one is suddenly rushed to the hospital.

In chaotic times what do you do to simplify the chaos?

And not just simplify, but as is often required in such unwieldy and unpredictable times, to simplify in the extreme?

Try one or more of these four steps:

1. Focus on one priority. 

Yes, just ONE priority.

When you’re trying to right a world that has turned upside down, you don’t need the drag and confusion of trying to juggle multiple goals.

Like a laser beam, narrow your focus to a single point, your sole priority for now.

2. Let go. Say no.

The only way you’re going to let go is to say no.

And if that’s not easy for you, well, frankly, that’s tough.

You need the skill of clearing out the underbrush and letting go of extraneous things for now.

You find in times of extreme simplification that what was once important – and may be again later – is far from a priority now.

Practice the word, “No,” until you can say it with the calm confidence to back it up. And play it out.

You can say “Yes” later if you want to.

3. Pay attention.

You need easy-to-gather information that will tell you if you’re getting back on track.

Figure out a few key indicators you can count on. These are like the dials and knobs on a control panel.

Then pay attention to the information they’re providing you.

Use it, simply, consistently.

It will help you keep track in turbulent times of where you are now, and where you need to go next.

4. Follow up.

Take the time to see how things are working…or if they aren’t, to face those facts.

If the action you’re taking isn’t taking you where you need to go, adjust.

And then again, if you must.

The world will right itself, with time, but in the meantime, it needs your help.

The best way to start?

Simplify, in the extreme.