This post contains some notes taken from Episode 63 of The Optimal Work Podcast: How to Thrive in Uncertainty.
Any insight or encouragement should be attribute to the hosts, Kevin Majeres and Sharif Younes; any flaws in my notes should be attributed to me.
Having Certainty Might Feel Good, but Life is about Growing because of Challenges
People sometimes talk about uncertainty as though its a problem for them. But is the goal in life really to have its opposite: certainty?
Personal growth results not from certainty, but from challenge. More specifically, you grow as a person when you intentionally embrace a challenge that you set for yourself. So if there is uncertainty in your life, then aim for more skills, higher ideals, and tighter, stronger bonds.
It’s Tempting to Seek Reassurance Rather than Personal Growth
When you want certainty, you are concerned about a possible bad outcome. You fear a negative result.
When you fear a negative result, it can be tempting to seek reassurance. “Everything will turn out fine.” “Don’t worry about it; you’re doing OK.”
But seeking reassurance is often a way of not engaging with a challenge.
Rather than seeking reassurance in response to negative feedback, seek improvement. Don’t look for the assurance that you’re OK and just fine; look for a real opportunity to grow in some way.
Learning a New Skill Requires Moving into Uncertainty
Tiger Woods changed his golf swing five or six times in the course of his career. There was no certainty that this would work. He was willing to put himself on a learning curve.
Learning something new involves moving into uncertainty: To arrive at a place you’ve never been, you need to travel roads that you do not know. (Kevin Majeres attributed this to St. John of the Cross.)
Pick Actively Challenging Yourself Over Passively Procrastinating Until Conditions Change
Some people procrastinate because they don’t feel confident in their current capabilities during their current mood (they’re waiting for inspiration). But procrastination puts off life and living; vitality comes from challenge and life involves growth. Prefer actively challenging yourself to passively waiting for the right time, the right conditions, or the right state.
If you had certainty about the job you’re thinking of taking, then what would you do differently? Then focus on that.
