Does everything feel like it’s hanging out a thread that can break at any moment? You are scrolling through your thoughts instead of phone the moment you wake up. For one second, things make sense, and the very next, everything feels unpredictable. You are wondering all the time, “What’s going to happen next?” You are uncertain about everything: your career, your relationship, your job, and all.
The human brain hates uncertainty. It will prefer pain over it, making you give up on lots of associated opportunities. We consider that uncertainty is a threat and try to prevent it in every way possible. Read this guide if you are in a similar situation, because I will walk you through ways that will help you deal with uncertainty instead of dodging it.
What is uncertainty in simple terms?
Uncertainty is like a situation between “knowing everything” and “knowing nothing” at the same time. You have two paths in front of you, and you know that well, but both are covered in fog, making you unsure which one to choose.
You can experience this in so many ways. You’ve been called for a job interview, and there are only two possibilities: you will get selected, or you won’t. But if you’re out of the league because of a lack of qualifications, you’re probably standing at a point where you are considering whether to give an interview or just avoid the situation altogether.
You are unsure that this relationship will work out, so you are planning to break up. You are ready to endure that pain instead of taking a chance. You are confused about investing in stocks that can give you a big return but come with risk, so you end up staying in your bubble to avoid risk.
In simple words, uncertainty is something unknown, and our brains don’t like the unknown. We crave control and safety. When we don’t have them, our minds fill in the blanks, usually with fear or worst-case scenarios. That’s why uncertainty often feels like anxiety. It’s not the situation itself that hurts most; it’s our imagination of what might happen.
What does it mean to deal with uncertainty?
Dealing with uncertainty is not about avoiding it or always staying positive, pretending like everything is fine. People often seek out opinions from others and look for reassurance regarding the decision they are making, so that they don’t feel fully responsible if things go wrong. They procrastinate and overthink all the possible scenarios, trying to predict the outcome, ending up not even doing anything at all.
Dealing with uncertainty is about learning to coexist with the unknown, accepting that you can’t control everything, not making your brain overthink about “what ifs,” and trusting yourself that no matter what happens, you can handle it. You are a human, and being uncertain is natural. You can’t learn all that overnight; it’s a mindset that needs time to be built. The more you practice it, the less fear controls you, and you will find peace even in the messiest moments.
Ways to deal with Uncertainty:
Now that you know what uncertainty is and what it means to deal with uncertainty, let me help you with all possible ways to deal with the uncertainty you experience.
Understand that Life is Uncertain
Things can’t always go the way you plan them, and you can’t do anything about it. Even if you’re sure that you will get this job and that you will buy your own home afterwards, there’s always a possibility that it will not happen. Stay prepared for all possible scenarios or just don’t prepare at all.
A seed you sow will turn into a plant? You never know. That’s how life is. You have to make peace with that room for uncertainty to perform every action. We can’t just cut off things for choosing certainty, but what we can do is let go of the grip uncertainty has on us. If we stop controlling the outside circumstances mentally, things will be easier, and life will be happier.
Stop Predicting the Future
Predicting the future is of no use. It hardly ever turns out the way you predict it. When you start predicting, you often ruminate on worst-case scenarios. These thoughts don’t prepare you; they will paralyze you. Those thoughts will make you feel bad and prevent you from taking action.
Instead of trying to know all the outcomes of a situation, work on mental well-being by practicing mindfulness, maintaining a routine, and building emotional resilience. Because even if things don’t go your way, it’s fine. You might experience something new, something even better than what you expected.
Accepting that it’s Normal
Uncertainty is normal; it’s proof that you feel things, and you are alive. Being unsure doesn’t mean you are off track or doing something wrong. Real strength lies in showing up, not knowing all the answers. Everyone’s life decision comes with risk; no one has it all figured out.
Even the most successful people out there feel uncertainty in many situations. The difference is, they don’t let it stop them. They take the step anyway. If you are feeling uncertain, it’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you are growing.
Live one day at a time
You can’t change the past; you don’t know the future, but you can do your best today. If you zoom out of the frame, life gets overwhelming. You start thinking about where you will be in 5 years, what if this doesn’t work out, what if everything falls apart. But the truth is, you don’t have to solve the entire puzzle right now. You just need to place the next piece.
Switch your attention to what is happening right now. Build a habit of asking: “What do I have to do today?” Maybe it’s sending an email, making a call, taking care of your health, or just getting out of bed. That’s enough. And you can go far by stacking just enough “enoughs”.
Focus on What’s in Control
Stop believing that luck, fate, and other people’s decisions will decide your life outcomes. That will just increase your stress, anxiety, and the very uncertainty you are trying to escape. Learn how to shift from an external to an internal locus of control.
Internal locus of control means focusing on what you can change. Take out a paper, draw a line, and write things that you can control on one side and what you can’t control on the other. Acknowledge what you can’t change and shift your whole focus to things you can control.
Take Action
The longer you stay stuck in “what ifs,” the harder it becomes to move. Instead of wasting your energy on being anxious about what can happen or what can’t, invest in doing stuff that will make things certain. If you are uncertain about securing a job, try doing what’s in your hands. Complete some related certifications that can increase your chances of success. Also, action doesn’t always mean taking a huge leap. It means making that phone call, sending the application, opening that blank document, or booking the therapy session. Every small step builds momentum that weakens fear. You don’t need the full staircase; you just need the next step in front of you.
Talk to Someone
When your thoughts just spiral around your own mind, the weight of uncertainties gets ten times heavier. Sometimes what you really need is someone who listens without trying to fix you. Speaking aloud to a friend, mentor, therapist, or coach can lighten that mental load.
And if you are feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Purposeful Life Coach can guide you through the unknown with clarity, intention, and calm. Because sometimes, the answers are already within you; you just need someone to help you focus.
