Tools for Managing Uncertainty

Photo by Sydney Rae on Unsplash

If you have been with us over the past couple of weeks, we have been talking about how uncertainty makes our brains go a little crazy. Because of the natural discomfort that it provides, most people assume that existing in the grey will automatically cause stress. We are here to tell you that there is an alternative. There are specific actions you can take that will allow you to smoothly navigate, heck, even embrace uncertainty. 

The first step is to modify your mindset when you approach these types of situations. Rather than approaching them as if they are alien to your existence, acknowledging the inevitability of uncertainty helps your mind stay calm, cool and collected. Increasing your tolerance to ambiguity enables you to appreciate the confidence and self-awareness that can flow from successfully navigating these murky waters. 

Shifting your mindset is the first step, but is that all you have to do? 

No. You want to combine a mindset that tolerates uncertainty with tools that let you move forward. These tools can help transform feelings of overwhelm to those of optimism.

1. Make an Inventory: 

Knowing the type of uncertainty that can trigger anxiety can help you respond       from a different place. When you are caught off guard, your flight, fight or freeze          response is more easily activated. When you are aware of what triggers you, it is   easier to access your tools. For example, if you are a business owner, is uncertainty in the market more anxiety provoking than uncertainty regarding the stability of your workforce?

2. Build a Framework:

Part of what is anxiety inducing about a lack of certainty is that you don’t feel very grounded. You feel like you are at the whim of the events around you. Creating            your own internal framework helps you feel assured and enables you to process

information more effectively. What does that look like?

Focus on the controllable: Our brains spin when we think things are beyond our control. When we focus on actions, it allows our brains to go into implementation mode decreasing fearful feelings. In keeping with our example, you can’t control how markets will respond to the political environment, but you can evaluate staffing needs and make some contingency plans. 

Set expectations with reasonable optimism: This is not the toxic positivity that has received so much attention. This is believing that things will work out AND that the road to get there may be difficult.  Basically it is adopting an attitude that is in the middle ground between being Ms. Eternal Optimist and Mr. Doom and Gloom.

Understand the type of information you need: Different types of evidence resonate with different types of people. Understanding what type of information you need is essential to centering yourself. For example, would diving into the latest market analysis make you feel more in control? Or, is going to lunch with people in your industry to get their views more useful? Once you know the information your brain appreciates, develop a plan to obtain it. Gathering evidence helps your brain remain engaged and focused. 

Remind yourself to focus on data:  And speaking of evidence, you want to be sure you are looking at tangible information rather than listening to the voices (aka doubts) in your head. When we feel like we are on shaky ground, our brain comes up with all sorts of theories. You can debunk those theories by reminding yourself that you need to act based on verifiable evidence. 

3. Know You Can Pause:

Uncertainty can spur us to act rashly. Our brains like to jump to action believing   that this will make us feel better. Unfortunately, when we are anxious, our reasoning doesn’t work very well and the decisions we make in stress aren’t always the best. Remember you can take a breath before finalizing plans. That breath will help your brain function more efficiently and will deliver a better  outcome.

4. Reflect On What You Learn: 

As you come through uncertain times, take the opportunity to reflect on what you learned about yourself. What did you do well? What would you like to work on so that you continue your journey toward being comfortable with uncertainty? 

Life will always present some twists and turns. When you accept that there will be some bumps along the way and build skills that help you move through uncertain times, your brain will more easily pivot toward problem solving. The result will be a calmer and more confident you. 

G2 Solutions helps business leaders develop strategies to navigate the ambiguous world of business. Contact us and find out how we can help.