This morning as I read my morning news feeds, I was struck by the number of times that the word uncertainty was used. Maybe you’ve also noticed and even become anxious about its pervasiveness.
It was in articles about the economy, but also in leadership articles and in the questions people are asking about work, purpose, and what comes next. Many of us were taught that uncertainty is something to solve or eliminate. We think that if we could just get more information, more certainty, more control—then we’d feel steady again.
Funny, right?
It reminds me of the saying, “We plan. God laughs”.
And while yes, I agree that uncertainty exists, I’m working to find ways to be with it but not overcome by it. I noticed that feeling last week when I met with my CPA for some end of year planning. As we talked, I felt the weight of this truth – being an entrepreneur comes with a certain amount of uncertainty.
What was I to do?
I took my own advice, and decided to focus simply on alignment, believing that the rest will take care of itself. For all of you control freaks, or recovering control freaks as I like to describe myself – if we can’t control the external, what are we to do?
I use these two tools to help me stay aligned and at peace:
- I say ‘Let Them’ – as Mel Robbins teaches us. The more we try to solve these external issues, the more stress and anxiety we create for ourselves.
- Turn within. I’ve come to believe that when I am aligned with my values, beliefs, and priorities, it is much easier to brush off the outer worries.
To shift from reacting to external chaos to reconnecting with internal alignment, I find that a simple pause helps me remember that silence often brings clarity.
This year, I took two fabulous trips that featured getting back to nature: the beauty of Wyoming, and the majesty of the Grand Canyon. They allowed me time and space to pause and listen within.
As I met new friends, I discovered a shift, where people are turning within to find the most valuable truths, replacing a need for outer certainty with a clearer vision of inner alignment.
When thinking about uncertainty here’s what I’m learning:
- Yes, the world is uncertain.
- Waiting for certainty keeps us from progressing.
- Internal alignment is the stabilizing force.
So…if you’re feeling an uncomfortable level of uncertainty, begin looking within to find alignment. The stronger your inner direction, the weaker your distractions will be.
Start now:
Name your values. Your truth. Your North Star. That’s what uncertainty can’t take from you.
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