How Do You Manage Uncertainty?

Fear and uncertainty often go together. As Dr. Mithu Storoni writes, when we’re uncertain, our negativity bias might cause us to expect that the worst is around the corner. Or, we may simply feel uncomfortable with not knowing what will happen next. Having these three traits can help you manage uncertainty:

Humility

Let’s not pretend that we can predict our future. As much as I’d like to, I cannot make guarantees about what is going to happen next month, let alone tomorrow. A little humility can help us accept that we’re not in charge of what happens. Letting go of the need to know can be liberating. While we cannot control outcomes, we can control how we react to them.

Curiosity

Curiosity can help us resist the urge to assume only negative outcomes. If you can keep an open mind, you’re more likely to imagine positive possibilities. With practice, you can cultivate a positivity bias to help counter a tendency toward negative thinking.

Trust

Can you trust in your abilities to handle what comes your way? Humans have an incredible capacity for resilience that helps us adapt to circumstances and respond to situations with new ways of coping. When an outcome wasn’t what you wanted, what can you learn from it? Who can you ask for help? How can you change your approach? As Neurogym writes, trust your inner wisdom. Whether your resources come from within, or you ask for help, you can find a way to manage outcomes. Eckhart Tolle said “when you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life.” Accept that there will always be uncertainty in life and know that you have a choice about how you respond to it.

How do you manage uncertainty?

Are you open to possibilities?

PS: Check out my two videos on Managing Uncertainty - Avoidance or Action and How do you Accept Uncertainty? Having these 3 personality traits can help!