Dealing With Uncertainty

Living with Uncertainty

Life is full of unknowns. Most of the time, we’re just figuring things out as we go—whether it’s existential questions like “What’s the meaning of life?” or small, everyday uncertainties like “Is it going to rain tomorrow?”

For me, the biggest uncertainty right now is finding a job after school—one that I actually enjoy and feel a sense of purpose in. Will I find that perfect fit? I don’t know, and that’s unsettling. But I’ve realized that uncertainty itself isn’t the problem—it’s how I handle it that matters.

Manage or Accept?

When faced with uncertainty, we have two choices: manage it or accept it. The key is figuring out what’s within our control and what isn’t.

Some things, like learning a new skill, growing your network, or cutting out distractions, are manageable. If we put in the effort, we can shift the odds in our favor. Other things—like unexpected job rejections or poor weather—are out of our hands. In those cases, the best thing we can do is accept the situation, adapt, and keep moving forward.

The Psychology of Uncertainty

Uncertainty messes with our heads. It can trigger anxiety, make us feel like we’re losing control, and push us into unhelpful coping mechanisms.

For me, that means scrolling through my phone and disassociating—mindlessly consuming podcasts, YouTube videos, or social media as a way to escape. In the moment, it feels like relief, but in reality, it just delays the inevitable. I know that when I actually lean into my discomfort and take action, I feel so much better. I’ve seen firsthand that uncertainty isn’t as paralyzing when I actively work through it instead of avoiding it.

Final Thoughts

Uncertainty isn’t going anywhere—it’s a part of life. But the way we handle it makes all the difference. When facing tough decisions or unknowns, I’ve found it helpful to ask:

• What’s the worst-case scenario? Can I handle it?

• What small actions can I take to increase my odds of success?

• Is this a moment to act or a moment to accept?

The truth is, most of the time, we already know what we need to do to change our situation. It’s just a matter of making the choice to act. It’s not easy, but it’s certainly possible.

Wishing you all peace and purpose!