You feel a familiar pit growing in your stomach. There’s a slight rise in your stress level. You’re thinking about asking for a raise, a new job, or working on the growth of your business. You may be worried about your future, your child’s chances of getting into the best college, the future of the economy, your health, AI, and so many more unknowns. When you think about it, we are surrounded by uncertainty. And we don’t like it! We prefer guarantees, clarity, and security in our lives. We want to know how a project will turn out before we invest time in it. We want to know that we are making good decisions, that we are good enough, that we have enough, that “everything will turn out okay”.
As humans, we try very hard to eliminate uncertainty. That’s why we make so many judgements, about ourselves, about others, and about circumstances. Even if our judgments are inaccurate, there is a sense of security that comes from believing that we are certain about something. When we meet people, for example, unconsciously, we create a perception of them and even try to put them in categories based on our past experiences and biases. We create stereotypes without even realizing it. Unfortunately, those judgements often create limiting beliefs and therefore, limited outcomes.
The Problem With Uncertainty
When it comes to taking risks and stepping outside of our comfort zone, uncertainty shows up, causing uneasiness or pain. In an effort to escape the uncertainty, we may hesitate taking action, question our capabilities, and retreat to the safety of inaction. The problem here is obvious. It limits our potential, our growth, our happiness. In the long-term, we risk feeling stuck, languishing rather than thriving. For some people, this can manifest as depression or may cause resentment towards others who are moving forward in their pursuits.
The Solution
Quieting the discomfort of uncertainty, developing a capacity for risk, and embracing change are your secret weapons for attaining goals with more ease and flow. Start by focusing on the things you CAN control: your mindset and your activity. Let go of the rest. Now I know that letting go may sound tough but with a little practice, it is within your reach. Start small, be consistent, and continue to expand.
Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Your Mindset:
- If you were to take inventory of your life so far, from birth to now, I’ll bet you could make a long list of skills you have mastered, and obstacles you have overcome. It’s likely that you are more powerful than you think you are. Most likely you can handle a little uncertainty. When it shows up, do what you can to remind yourself of how powerful you really are.
- You might want to consider the worst-case scenario, the worst possible outcome. Remove uncertainty and fear by jotting down a simple action plan for what you would do to navigate that situation. Most people experience a sense of relief and empowerment by doing so. Next, consider the best-case scenario. What do you want that to look like? What steps can you take to move you closer to that outcome?
- Breathe thru the discomfort. Sometimes we need to take a minute and get centered. We can shut out the noise swirling around our minds and calm down our nervous system. Try a mindful practice such as meditation or exercise, on a regular basis. It can be catalyst for relaxation and resilience, so we can more easily choose productive thoughts and emotions.
Your Activity:
- Uncertainty can create overwhelm or procrastination. Get unstuck by establishing structure that supports your well-being and goals. For example, if you feel uncertain about your ability to master a particular skill level or complete a valuable project, schedule it on your calendar. Work on it a little bit each day or each week. Consistency rather than pressure will get you there. This is best done at the same time of day or same day of the week on an ongoing basis. Increase your effectiveness by creating accountability for yourself in the process. Focus on activity and small improvements rather than unrealistic perfection and results.
- Connect with your values, your ‘true north’, so that you can ground yourself in what is truly most meaningful for you. Then, release the rest. This sounds easy, and it is but, most people don’t take time to clarify their personal values. This is a powerful method for discovering your internal GPS, your compass for more easily navigating uncertainty.
- Get support. You don’t have to go it alone. Whether you are navigating parenthood, career issues, health concerns, or anything else, chances are there is a support group available on or offline where you can share concerns, ideas, and successes with like-minded people. For more advanced tools and support, you can even consider speaking with a coach or therapist.
The Gift of Uncertainty
Finally, look for the gifts in the unknown. It’s been said the comfort zone is a nice place to live, but nothing grows there. Consider possible benefits of your circumstances. These are opportunities to expand your perspective and develop more resilience, patience, and risk-tolerance. And, dare I say it, have some fun in the process.
One thing we do know for sure is that, if we are to live life to our full potential, periods of uncertainty are inevitable. How we choose to experience those stages determine the quality of our lives and our successes along the way.
“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”