How to live with uncertainty

The key to the ubiquitous human experience of uncertainty is to know when to reduce uncertainty and when to lean in to it or even to actively encourage it (see the certainty of uncertainty).  But how do we do that? Through our conversations on uncertainty, we’ve found some coaching-like questions helpful when facing any kind of uncertainty, big or small. 

• Is this uncertainty something I have the power to reduce?

Is it even possible to be more certain? If I’m planning a picnic for tomorrow, it will make a lot of sense to check the weather forecast. It’s not 100% reliable of course, but if it’s saying there’s a high chance of rain throughout the day, it’ll probably make sense to pivot to something a little drier (unless of course you’re up for a watery adventure). The forecast gives us the increased certainty to make a good decision, just like having a better idea of the traffic conditions so you don’t miss your flight, or when your pizza’s going to be delivered so you can relax in the meantime. 

Sometimes reducing uncertainty can be about giving yourself the best chance to enhance your performance. If you’re giving a presentation or speaking at an event, knowing how many people will be there, what the stage is like, whether you’ll be mic'd up, can all reduce the uncertainty of the ‘knowable’ so that your energy can go into being prepared for the unknowable.

It’s possible to be a little more certain in these areas of life, but there are also plenty of areas of life where we just can’t be more certain. When that’s the case, a different type of question can be helpful:

• Am I constrained by fear? Is this an opportunity to experiment?

Because we often naturally shy away from uncertainty, it can be a good idea to check in with our response to some upcoming uncertainty. Is it simply ‘fear of the unknown’ (uncertainty)? Could there actually be an opportunity that I hadn’t, at first glance, seen? 

• Does being more certain have the potential to help you or might it actually close down opportunities?

If we have the power to be more certain, is it actually going to be a good thing, or could there be the opportunity of autonomy, unexpected discovery or creativity? Although it might be a bit scary, sometimes this can bring the biggest reward. When we increase uncertainty we also increase the likelihood of failure but in the same measure, we increase the opportunity for that innovative breakthrough that could be life-changing. 

Uncertainty is certain. What you do with it can change your life.

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little BIG idea

A little summary of this big idea using the 1000 most common words

It can be good to not be sure of things and you can ask yourself questions to work out when it can be a good thing. Not being sure might give you a chance to know something new and grow.