Right now, the word “uncertainty” is being used to describe the state of world affairs.

In 2020, it was “unprecedented” — which was more than fitting. A pandemic that no one expected changed the lives of everybody in ways that no one could have ever imagined. Before 2020, the idea that everyone could attend school and work remotely using online tools just didn’t seem realistic. 

Two years later, the things that were once considered impossible are now a part of daily life. But, now we’re uncertain about what’s coming next. 

This hazy outlook is making it challenging for people to plan out their next steps. For companies, it’s even harder to make strategies for a future that we can’t even predict.

Welcome to Complexity

2020 taught us that the unexpected happens, “impossibles” become realities, and we all need to adapt no matter what. Even when you can’t plan, you can always pivot. 

But, to plan and pivot, we need clarity… which is easier said than developed when the world is stressful, uncertain, and even a little bit scary. 
No one said it would be easy, but we need to work hard to regain our sense of clarity. 

That doesn’t mean we need to predict the future or understand every moving part, but we do need to have a firm grasp of ourselves, our positions, and our circumstances if we want to thrive amid uncertainty. 

Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty: 5 Ways to Get Clear 

As much as we might all wish for everything to be easy and simple, there’s no telling how long this sense of uncertainty will last. 

The way I see it, the uncertainty that everyone is experiencing goes beyond the pandemic. It’s also about the rapid technological evolution that’s taking place before our very eyes. We’ve got rockets, satellites, 5G, virtual realities, metaverses — all that are shaping a new world that’s different from what we once knew. 

I’ve been thinking about all of this, and it prompted me to develop a few tips to help people find clarity in complex situations. 

#1. Write Out Your Feelings

Emotions can either promote or prevent clarity. Writing out your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to release pent-up emotions and promote self-awareness. Try a daily free-writing practice to help you understand your motives, desires, fears, and goals. 

#2. Talk to People You Trust 

Talking to people close to you is another great way to find clarity. Unlike writing, you have another person there to push you into new modes of thinking. Have meaningful conversations about complex situations in your life and talk out the details with people you trust. 

#3. Learn as Much as Possible

The more you know, the easier it will be to draw conclusions that help you make sense of a complicated situation. Do your research, learn about new trends, and read about what experts are predicting to stay ahead of the game. 

#4. Know When to Disconnect

Put in your due diligence, but know when to disconnect. You don’t want to stress yourself out by overworking or spiraling into rabbit holes. Know when to turn off the news and put your phone on “do not disturb” to unplug and unwind. 

#5. Be Prepared, But Don’t Get Attached

When trying to develop your clarity, it’s tempting to place your bets on one outcome and overly prepare for it. However, true clarity is flexible. If you’re attempting to predict the future and are attached to one outcome, you won’t be prepared for the unexpected.