We are hardwired to crave certainty in our lives. In an article for Entrepreneur, Tony Robbins notes certainty as one of our basic human needs and defines this need as follows:
“The first human need is the need for Certainty. It’s our need to feel in control and to know what’s coming next so we can feel secure. It’s the need for basic comfort, the need to avoid pain and stress, and also to create pleasure. Our need for certainty is a survival mechanism. It affects how much risk we’re willing to take in life—in our jobs, in our investments, and in our relationships. The higher the need for certainty, the less risk you’ll be willing to take or emotionally bear.”
He notes that variety/uncertainty is a basic human need as well. If we were always certain and knew what to expect, we wouldn’t face adversity and grow, or enjoy pleasant surprises. These little deviations that happen to our plans is where we discover things we didn’t know about ourselves.
Here are some things to remember when you fear uncertainty:
1.) Uncertainty is opportunity. When nothing is certain anything is possible. Use this as an opportunity for self-discovery and growing out of your comfort zone.
2.) Change is inevitable but growth is optional. When we least expect it, things can radically change and go off course. What are you going to do about it? Have a mindset that is attached to nothing and open to everything. Maybe what feels like a bad situation is actually one that is preparing you for something great.
3.) Let go of what you cannot control. Stop wasting energy on going over things you cannot control. Instead focus on what you do have control over, which is your response.
4.) Trust that things happen for a reason, even when you can’t see it. Often times we don’t understand the reason or purpose for things happening the way that they do until some time has passed.
5.) Don’t allow uncertainty to fuel your fears. Worrying about what is to come or the unknown is normal but try to catch yourself when you start time traveling and fearing what will happen in the future. Remember that 99% of what we fear doesn’t ever happen.
6.) Remind yourself that you have survived all the uncertainty and changes that have happened in your life so far. Your strength is so much greater than your fear.
So now I ask you…Are you open to the world and all is possibilities? Are you open to everything and attached to nothing?
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