Embracing uncertainty

Recently I listened to an interview of Iyanla Vanzant by Jerry Clark while dropping our son at basketball practice, and had the impulse to write a post on something we at first tend to shy away from — the power of embracing uncertainty.

Iyanla and Jerry were talking about how we’re all control freaks – we like to know how everything’s going to turn out before we do anything — and I realized that if we hold to this desire for control too tightly, we’ll never allow ourselves to create or experience anything new.

How’s this apply to life and business?

Imagine I had demanded that I knew how things would turn out with my wife Rachelle before I dated her – we would never have been here today with 7 kids and 23 years of marriage, challenges, and rewarding adventures!

Or in business – if I had demanded that I knew whether a customer or potential business partner was going to say “yes” before I spoke with them – I never would have allowed the amazing relationships, discoveries, skill development, and business results that have unfolded in our lives.

AND WE’RE STILL DISCOVERING AND EXPERIENCING NEW THINGS – IN FACT, THAT’S WHAT MAKES LIFE INTERESTING

Now I realise that a total feeling of not being in control could be frightening – so here are three things I’ve found particularly helpful in allowing and even embracing uncertainty in my business and life that I believe will assist you, too:

1. Courage to embrace

Regardless of your belief – whether in God, a Higher Power, or simply the Universe being for you, having the courage to embrace the uncertainty and adventure of life, makes things a lot more interesting.

Iyanla spoke with Jerry about the difference between “choice” and “decision” – decision weighs facts and figures and is based on what you can see and know. Choice opens the door to possibility, even though you may not know what all those possibilities are or don’t know how everything’s going to turn out.

Choosing to embrace the uncertainty, challenges, and possibilities of life is one of those choices and is a powerful strategy for allowing more into your life.

2. Trust

For those of us who do believe in God, a Higher Power, or even simply that the Universe is working for our good – trusting this power and process even though we can’t always see how things will work out on our own, is a key process that can open us to the uncertainty – and the possibilities – of life that we otherwise may shy away from, allowing us to even embrace uncertainty and to go forward without fear.

3. Others’ stories

The third factor I’ve found richly empowering that essentially makes it easier to practice #1 and #2 above is to listen to, read, and continually enjoy the stories of others who’ve experienced the richness and worthwhileness of embracing uncertainty and stepping into possibility in their own lives.

In essence, you can build up an “internal library” of these stories that becomes a well from which to draw as you navigate your own moments of challenge, uncertainty, and new doors of possibility opening before you.

Now think back on your own life for a moment. What’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had? I bet at some point along the way, there was a door of possibility you were willing to walk through, without fully knowing or being “in control” of what was on the other side.

Have one of these examples you’re willing to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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