Q: Everyone at work is affected by the controversial presidential campaign, so much so that it's been hard to keep one's mind on work. People say employees shouldn't discuss politics at work, but holding it in doesn't make us feel better. We feel like the country is up for grabs, but our jobs matter to us, no matter how small they are to others. Our paychecks are important, even though we fall into the middle class. We fear layoffs, as well as no promotions, and every dollar we spend is of concern. Our company may be here after the election, but we have no clue as to which employees will be. We talk outside the office and everyone wishes they could move to other countries, but we can't. We all feel like we're in a holding pattern, but we don't know for how long before things go down even further. We need some positive advice now.

A: The country will get through this period of concern and negativity. Companies will get through it, and individuals will survive, too. You have the power to take control, even though need your job for each paycheck. The uncertainty the environment has created can affect anyone who might be feeling insecure in a job. First, the political editorialists are doing their jobs to inform people of their points of view, and you have the ability and responsibility to stay informed of the facts presented from all political parties so you decide for yourself, just as your co-workers and employees across the country share in that same responsibility.

Companies don't want political conversations at work due to the potential for intense arguments between employees. It's your responsibility to keep your home peaceful, as well, by limiting discussions where the results are going to negatively affect you. Your job will continue immediately after the election, but it's critical to maintain your composure and duties at work so your own behavior doesn't contribute to you being let go.

Jack Canfield's book may be the guide you need to build and separate yourself from others' opinions and emotions. The Success Principles, How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be (HarperCollins 2016) shows you how to face your set of circumstances with the independent thinking and resilience needed to rise above all circumstances to get ahead.

You know yourself. If your emotions carry you away from business at hand, you must learn how to create your own path to down, unaffected by others' influence. As Canfield advices in one of his chapters, "Drop Out of the Ain't It Awful" Club and Surround Yourself with Successful People." The economy may contribute to your company's direction, but you are 100 percent responsible for your mindset despite the economy. Canfield's book is not filled with affirmations to cheer you on or lift your mood; it lays out 30 years of proven success principles to train your mind into thinking as a strong, successful leader would think.

People learn from others, both good and bad behavior. If you select your teachers from a pool of bad advisers, you will get bad results. You can't choose your co-workers, but you can choose your thoughts and conversations in which you participate. Canfield points out how people often complain to the wrong people; they complain to their spouses about work, or they complain to co-workers about a spouse. They choose people who have no involvement in their situations and no power over what to do. He suggests replacing complaining with actions. "Successful people ... face facts squarely. They do the uncomfortable and take steps to create their desired outcome. Successful people don't wait for disaster and then blame something or someone else for their problems."

You have the choice to not let fear be your guide. You can say yes or no to any situation or event you find disturbing. As you study The Success Principles, you will see you are not at the mercy of others' worries, negativity, the economy, or even the weather. You can't control external events, but you control your involvement and reactions to them.

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