Welcome to the world of uncertainty, where the only thing certain is that nothing is certain!
Life is full of surprises, and even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by unexpected changes. Instead of fearing uncertainty, why not embrace it?
In this blog post, we explore the value of becoming comfortable with the unknown and how it can be one of our greatest superpowers in navigating the unpredictable world we live in.
It’s okay to screw up at times
Mistakes happen, and that's okay. It's normal that we don't get things right the first time or to slip up even when we're well-prepared or we’ve done "the work" so many times!
Getting stuck or experiencing productivity paralysis can hinder progress, but recognising our ability to think on our feet, improvise and ‘wing it’ can be a valuable skill in the end.
In today's fast-paced world, we don't always have the luxury of time to prepare or time isn't always available for us. That's why recognising that we all have different strengths and weaknesses helps lower down pressure.
Some just have a natural flair for writing or public speaking, while others excel at working with numbers. So long as we acknowledge and leverage these strengths to achieve success, we can confidently embrace our individual abilities and thrive in our fields.
Take Canva, for instance. When it was first introduced, some graphic designers were upset, thinking they would no longer be needed. However, instead of giving up, they could pivot and adapt by creating templates for Canva or training others in design. They could focus on the clients who value their unique creativity and expertise, creating epic packaging and branding and more.
Similarly, with the rise of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, many professionals like copywriters, content creators or SEO specialists worried about being replaced by AI. These tools are not designed to replace human expertise, but help professionals focus on higher-level tasks that require more efficiency and critical thinking.
Change is constant, and new technologies will continue to emerge. We can't always rely on the same ways of how we are doing things. So, instead of viewing every new 'advancement' as a threat, we can choose to embrace it as an opportunity for growth. And rather than worrying about what we might lose, we can choose to focus on what we can gain instead.
It’s okay to mess up our diary
No matter what kind of business we run, change is inevitable ~ that's the default. From unexpected appointments to sudden rescheduling, there's always something that can derail our plans.
This is where flexibility becomes an important skill. However, many people struggle with facing uncertainty and become overly dependent on structure which leads to anxiety, stress, and decreased productivity.
We must learn to pivot and embrace change to thrive. This may mean being comfortable with talking about things and being able to pivot quickly or being able to stay calm under pressure and make decisions on the fly.
Embracing uncertainty is challenging but necessary for success in today's business landscape. Instead of becoming more rigid and dependent on structure, we must learn to pivot and adjust when plans change. This will increase productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and help us achieve our goals.
It’s okay to shuffle things around
As business owners, we have the power to control how we show up and respond to change. We have the power to shuffle things around and pivot when necessary.
We're no longer bound by traditional structures or someone else's plan. We can shift and make choices that align with our goals and values.
And even if we have a structured approach to life, there's always room for growth and the opportunity to play in the gray, to be comfortable with uncertainty and to push our boundaries.
It's easy to become paralysed by fear, but playing in uncertainty allows us to break free of those fears and try new things.
We're in the control seat, and we can embrace uncertainty and see where it takes us. We have the right to experiment with new ideas and seize opportunities for growth.
We have choices ~ we have the power to choose
No matter what external factors are happening around us, we have the power to choose how we respond, whether it's to pivot, change, or move forward in a positive way.
When something unexpected arises, like a scheduling conflict or illness, we can choose to postpone or reschedule.
We can choose either to prioritise our health and well-being and take the time we need to recover, or we can choose to push through and keep working.
We can either decide to work overtime to meet a deadline, or we clock off on time to avoid burnout.
Ultimately, we're the ones who decide how to make the most of every situation.
We can always bounce forward
Our language plays an important role in shaping our perspective, especially when it comes to building resilience.
In life, we are bound to face challenges and setbacks, but it's how we respond to these obstacles that defines us.
Rather than focusing on bouncing back, which implies returning to where we started, we should aim for bouncing forward, which suggests making progress and achieving growth.
Yes, it's natural to feel scared or uncertain, however, we have the ability to push past those emotions and move forward regardless.
The way we use language can make a significant difference in how we approach challenges as well.
Instead of thinking how you can pay back someone who helped you, shift your perspective from paying it back to paying it forward. This leads to finding ways to help others.
The past is no longer existing, but our future is yet to come. Let's keep moving forward with a spirit of optimism, knowing that our greatest triumphs often emerge from our greatest trials.
We can just try it anyway
Brene Brown's famous quote, "You can do hard things!" is a helpful reminder when facing challenges and uncertainty.
Sometimes, when we're experiencing financial hardship or feeling unmotivated, it can be tempting to give up or avoid taking risks. However, it's essential to remember that we have the power to try anyway.
When we try something new or take a risk, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and possibilities. Even if things don't go as planned, we can learn valuable lessons from our failures and use them to grow and improve.
By adopting a positive mindset and using empowering language, we can bounce forward towards progress and growth, and even find opportunities to support others.
For example, we can consider short-term contracts or pivot our business model to adapt to the increasing 'inflation' situation. We can weather the storm and build a sustainable and thriving business in the long run as long as we embrace challenges rather than ignore them.
By focusing on what we can control and taking proactive steps, we find it easy to go on despite feeling overwhelmed and discouraged and along the way, we learn how to build resilience and overcome obstacles.
Nevertheless, we have the power to choose how we respond to what happens to us, and by facing the unknown and taking calculated risks, we can achieve our goals and start the life we want.
We can turn the switch on
The first step is to focus on gratitude and look for the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small they may seem. It can be as simple as appreciating a warm cup of coffee in the morning or the sound of birds chirping outside.
Let's just turn on the switch in our brain that allows us to find the good in every situation. This switch is available to everyone, but it's up to us whether to activate it or not.
By intentionally seeking positivity, we combat negative thoughts and start to see the world through a more optimistic lens.
However, this doesn't mean that we should disregard the challenges that come our way. Instead, we should approach them with a growth mindset, recognising them as blessings in disguise.
By reframing our perspective and looking for solutions, we become overcomers and achievers.
Wrapping up
To sum up, we hope that our discussion has allowed whoever is reading this to contemplate how to maximise our present circumstances and leverage them for our benefit.
The key take away is not to allow fear to paralyse or immobilise us, but rather to utilise it as a motivator.
When we are faced with uncertainty, let's trust in the natural course of events, knowing that life has a way of unfolding as it should.
Just as in this famous quote, "Whatever happens happens..."
Tune in to our Bite-Size podcast episode on Getting comfortable with uncertainty
Watch this episode of our Business Bite-Size on YouTube to learn more: