How to thrive amidst uncertainity

Olivia loves her position in product marketing. One day, Olivia’s firm announced it would be acquired by a Japanese company. Shortly afterwards top management was let go, including her boss. Olivia’s new interim manager encouraged her to take a company-sponsored course about Japanese culture. 

Now Olivia’s mind was racing: Is my job safe? If yes will I keep my current position? Who will I report to? Will my job continue here or move to Japan or will someone else do my job in Japan? How will I pay my rent? 

When Olivia tried to get clarity she was told, “You’ll get answers. Just continue what you’re doing.” She felt forced to live in uncertainty about the role she’d poured her heart and mind into.

Uncertainty creates opportunities

Our default is to think of uncertainty as a problem we must solve. But Scientific American tells us that “inspiration, creativity [and] discovery all come from a place of uncertainty. When we admit “I don’t know,” we open ourselves to explore possibilities. 

In her book, Uncertain: The wisdom and wonder of being unsure, Maggie Jackson asserts that, “uncertainty plays an essential role in…propelling people in challenging times toward good judgement, flexibility . . . and heights of creativity.” This is good to know because we all deal with uncertainty at different points in our lives. 

Here are five ways we can handle uncertainty.

1. Accept the situation

Accept uncertainty rather than fight or try to wish it away. Don’t yearn for the past. It’s natural to seek certainty, yet the wisest approach is to face uncertainty head on. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up. Rather, it’s about accepting the current situation and managing it.

2. Focus on what you can control

Focus your energy on what you can control rather than fretting over what you can’t. Your actions, reactions, and mindset remain firmly within your control even when circumstances feel chaotic. By intentionally responding to challenges you’ll create an island of stability inside you. 

3. Stick to your daily routines

Maintaining your daily routine becomes an invaluable anchor against change, challenges, and uncertainty. Go outside to a local park, continue or start to exercise, and think of your current challenges within a broader context. These three actions together will give you structure when everything else seems to be shifting around you. You’ll thank yourself for these pockets of control and normalcy within your life.

4. Build flexibility

Cultivate flexibility as you plan for the future. One way is to have more than one plan. Be prepared for the unexpected as it could lead to a good outcome.

While working in Silicon Valley I had two strategies for handling uncertainty: I didn’t get attached to the company; and I looked for opportunities as a hedge against unpredictable product life cycles and volatile tech cycles.

Being downsized always felt a heartbeat away. I joined companies that were starting a successful ramp up, and kept a flexible mindset while riding tech waves that could crest or collapse at any moment.

Although I gave my role everything, I was vigilant for signs it was time to jump off and seek alternatives.

5. Stop worrying about failure

“There’s no way around it for your bone health,” my orthopedic doctor tells me. “You need to work with a strength coach.” 

I procrastinated on strength training for months, consumed by fear of failure. I injured my knee in competitive college swimming. What if the knee were to flare up? 

After confiding in my good friend Fiona about the doctor’s orders she suggested we try it together. The hardest part for Fiona was her fear that she’d see no results.

William, a veteran marine and in-demand strength training coach, agreed to work with us.  He convinced us to push past our fear, and step outside the comfort zone of our familiar patterns and routines.

We got stronger, better conditioned, and built confidence in our physical ability and mindset to take on new challenges. The added benefit: we lost unwanted pounds and inches.

This deepened our self awareness. We questioned our assumptions about ourselves and opened up to asking “what if . . .” questions instead of worrying about failure.

Embracing uncertainty builds confidence

To embrace uncertainty is to cultivate the mindset that you can handle whatever unfolds.

After  the acquisition, instead of focusing on her fear of being let go, Olivia focused on what to do to stay employed with the company. This improved her resilience and adaptability, traits that positioned her for success. She learned about Japanese business practices and honed ways to showcase her skills to the new leadership team. She also took on new responsibilities, creating more job security for herself. For Olivia, uncertainty became an opportunity to grow.

Whether you handle uncertainty one step at a time or power through it, accept that uncertainty is an integral part of life. With that, any uncertainty could be the one that leads to a surprisingly positive outcome.