How to manage uncertainty?

Do you know the feeling of instability when you know something is going to change? Have you ever felt insecure or anxious because something is not within your control? Today, I’m going to talk about how to work through those fears and insecurities that uncertainty brings about.

Uncertainty is a gray area where we can get lost when we enter it. The good news is that it can be less gray if we know how to manage the emotions it awakens in us. Uncertainty is what we don’t fully know, what we don’t control, the lack of information or definition about something.

Let’s put this into a practical example: I have to present a project to sector experts, and I’m worried about not knowing how to answer all their questions—it generates a lot of anxiety for me.

• Zone of control—what depends on me, what I can do, what I know. In the example of the presentation, I have prepared it very well and practiced as much as I could; that part is under my control.

• Zone of concern—those questions that I’m not sure I can answer and that generate anxiety.

• Zone of influence—the margin I have to reduce my concerns.

What could I do in this case to improve my influence and reduce my worries?

• Think of a list of questions that I might be asked and prepare answers for them.

• Ask someone who knows the topic about these possible questions and prepare them.

• Have supporting documentation attached to help me during the presentation to reinforce my answers to potential questions, etc.

  
  

Fear of uncertainty is generated by a series of thoughts that trigger negative emotions. We tend to imagine countless scenarios in our minds, trying to anticipate what’s going to happen. All these thoughts drain our energy and wear us out, making it more likely that things won’t go well.

To manage uncertainty and the concerns that arise from it, strengthen your zone of influence by analyzing what is within your control to feel more at ease and identify your negative thoughts. We learned how to manage those thoughts in the post “How to Get Out of the Loop.” I invite you to revisit it for continued practice.

Uncertainty is always before us, but you can learn to clear the fear and manage the emotions it brings. Remember, practice and consistency will aid in your learning.

Image by Freepik

Melinda Sánchez Coach

www.melindasanchezcoach.com