You might think you're being manipulated by external events now. However, your peers may be doing the sensible thing by just attempting to protect themselves from the tides of economic change. Paradoxically, tightening the reins isn't your best strategy today since you can't control all the variables, no matter how hard you try. Thankfully, others are willing to share the responsibility if you loosen your grip and let them work with you instead of against you.