Uncertainty has been a constant companion throughout our human history, and it can fuel fear; anxiety and paralysis, which can inhibit our ability to cope well in times of flux.

The human brain essentially is hardwired to react to uncertainty with fear and as we face uncertainty, our brain could so easily push us to overreact. The ability to be able to override this reaction and move our thinking into a calmer and more rational direction is fundamental in terms of dealing with uncertainty and the associated anxiety that can be triggered.

So here are my top 3 tips for handling uncertainty:

1. Avoid crystal ball gazing

If we are not careful, we may take out our imaginary crystal ball and start to catastrophise about the future. We can become lost and paralyzed in an overwhelming whirlpool of fear.

Sometimes we need to be able to detach ourselves from our situation and consciously observe our emotions and reactions and gently guide ourselves into a calmer space. We cannot possibly predict the future. We can however feel less anxious by establishing a healthier perspective and foster more positive and constructive thoughts.

2. Steer clear of the gossip

Uncertainty can create a playground for fear mongering and gossips who perversely enjoy stoking up any negativitythey can. They will be predicting all sorts of doom and gloom and if we get absorbed with the gossip, scaremongering and toxicity it will drag us down and make us worry more. Balancing our exposure to negative social media and removing ourselves from toxic environments where his kind of behaviour is rife is essential. We don’t have to listen to gossip and we certainly don’t have to be responsible for fuelling it. That is entirely our choice.

3. Control the controllables  

When there is a lot of change going on in our lives, we could find it overwhelming, and we may even begin to feel out of control which can be unnerving. This is when we need to remind ourselves about what we are in control of and focus on ‘controlling the controllables’. By turning our focus towards the things that we can change, rather than those we can’t, will help us to feel calmer and less stressed.

Taking some time to make a list of what those things are will help us to create calm and clarity. It is also important to remember that we are always in control of the way we respond in every given situation.

Making a conscious decision to be positive, open- minded and curious will help us to deal with some of the more negative aspects and accept change that we have no control over.

Remember change is inevitable. Growth however is optional.

About the Author

Liggy Webb is an award-winning and best-selling author, presenter, and international consultant. She is also the founding director of LWL, an international consortium of behavioural skills specialists. Liggy is recognised as a thought leader on human resilience and wellbeing, working with a wide range of global organisations across the sector.