The world, as it stands, is as uncertain as ever. The continuously dynamic lifestyle we live today means that stability and security are rarely guaranteed. Handling uncertainty is one of the most important skills that you need to master, whether you want to build a successful business, go places in your career or even have a happy and successful personal life. So, what exactly are the most important things you need to know in order to be comfortable with uncertainty?
Well, firstly, appreciating it is a good start. Tony Robbins refers to uncertainty or ‘variety’ as being one of the six human needs that we have. Indeed, a life where we could predict everything ahead of time would be unimaginable. It would zap the fun out of so many things. Uncertainty absolutely helps life be much more exciting.
Of course, it can be quite daunting and there are many situations where we crave knowing what is going to happen. The next step is to understand that no matter what happens, in all likelihood, everything is going to be okay. Our brains tend to make big deals out of small matters and can create the same feelings of stress that used to be provoked when we were being chased by bears in the Stone Age when we feel any kind of threat to our ego. Getting rejected by someone or getting a blank when you are doing a presentation are not the end of the world and it is vital to remind yourself of that. No matter what, everything will be okay.
The greatest entrepreneurs on the planet also know a valuable secret when it comes to handling uncertainty: your belief will make a difference. Be prepared for the worst case scenario of course and avoid planning for disappointment… but expect to be successful in whatever you do. If you are looking for a job, it is essential to imagine yourself down the line in a few weeks or months happily doing what you love. Why is this important? Well, the truth is that you can not predict what is going to happen so if you can not predict it you may as well think in the most useful way. When you imagine having a job it keeps your mind bright, clear and focused on making it happen. The greatest sporting champions all know this as well.
You must be resilient in times such as these. If you are an actor going to auditions or someone who is looking for a job, you need to plan intelligently and strategically to survive for as long as possible, but most of all you need to be absolutely determined no matter how many rejections you get. The world is not always an easy place to succeed in. But once again the common denominator in those who win is the absolute commitment to success that is a complete and total attitude of self-belief and intelligent optimism.
Lastly, plan to be aware of what you can predict and what you can do. When you find yourself in an uncertain situation, the reality is that it is only one part of your life. When you stop and consider all the aspects of your life that you do have certainty in and control over, you will find yourself feeling far better about things. Often, the worst feelings of stress come from not being in control… so focus on what you can and you’ll feel much better about it all.
Uncertainty means excitement. It means challenge. It means that as bad as things might be from time to time, there is always change on the way. It is also a reminder to appreciate all you have in the moment and focus on becoming the kind of person you want to be as your goal rather than something that relies on the uncertain, outside world. That way, we get to live happily ever after, come what may.
