We can define uncertainty as the lack of security, confidence, or certainty about something, especially when it creates concern. I think we are all quite familiar with this feeling, right? Whether you recently finished your studies, or you want 2022 to be your year of great job changes, uncertainty is on your shoulders day by day.
Shedding the weight of uncertainty isn’t as easy as reading an article or two, however, as an expert in not knowing what to do next, I can show you the upside of being unsure about where to take your career.
What is Uncertainty?
Uncertainty is essentially the lack of confidence or security that we have about something in the future that matters to us. It generates restlessness, nervousness, and overthinking about how certain aspects of our lives will turn out or what will happen.
We are used to seeking control, and once we believe we have it, we hold onto that notion tightly. It gives us a kind of peace that we appreciate. Until, of course, we realize that the only certain thing in life is that many things are uncertain, and we are never really in control of the events that lie ahead for us.
Because of that uncertainty and the anxiety it causes us, we spend most of our lives wondering about the future, feeling anxious about it, and letting go of our present, the only time that really exists. Believe me, I know it’s difficult, and sometimes knowing that the present is slipping away thinking about the future only brings us more anxiety.
Uncertainty in itself is a difficult aspect of life, but when it floods our work life, which already comes with difficulties by default, it almost certainly affects us greatly. Being anxious and worried about your work life can severely damage your mental health, as well as prevent you from really moving forward, taking the opportunities that come your way, and more.
For this reason, the important lesson to learn is, how to be present, even with uncertainty.
Let’s see.
Some steps to follow to start improving your relationship with uncertainty about your career are:
Accept Your Situation
Yes, I know that it is difficult for the first step to be something as challenging as accepting the situation in which you find yourself. But on many occasions, stress and anxiety come from an innate impulse to resist the situation we are in or the situation we will be in.
Once you give yourself to living what you are living and understand that there is not much you can do about it from that position, you will be able to move forward and see a larger panorama of possibilities.
Think of it this way: not knowing what to do next allows new possibilities and opportunities to present themselves to you. Not having an answer to that incessant anxiety, you can ask yourself new questions, you can allow yourself to search a little more, explore, and experiment until you get what makes your flame light up.
Read The Signs
We know that uncertainty puts us in a state of constant alert. This, although exhausting, allows us to be attentive to things that perhaps in a state of relaxation we would overlook. Because of this, it is easier for us to notice things that are of interest to us or arouse some kind of reaction in us.
Instead of approaching this with a negative approach, thinking about the opportunities we are missing, or the reasons why we are not going to perform well in another job, it would be better to think about the positive side of the situation. That is, pay attention to what calls you, what moves you, and what you do well. The things that others notice in you that could serve you in some professional field.
Life will take care of showing you what, unconsciously, you want to do. You should take advantage of this moment to be more attentive than ever to this message.
Learn to Adapt
Although on a biological level, humans are made to adapt, sometimes on an emotional level this takes time, effort, and a lot of discomfort in the process. However, as in the biological, it is absolutely necessary to survive. Life is always going to be full of changes, so it is in your best interest to learn to welcome change and adapt properly to it.
Be flexible. This will allow you to develop and access new resources that will be useful for each new situation you face in your life. Whether it is a change of residence, or perhaps a change in work.
When you are open to opportunities, working on learning to listen to your inner voice, and aligning yourself with the purposes and professional goals that you really want, you need to be able to be willing to walk the path that you discover that you want.
Think About Purposes, Not Just Goals
Continuing what I mentioned in the previous point, finding your purpose is crucial for happiness in your personal and work life. Once you know what meaning you want to give to your life, and what you want to do with it, you will work because everything you do is aligned with that.
There is a Japanese concept called “Ikigai” which means “the reason for living” or “the reason for being”. According to this concept, we must all find our Ikigai, this requires a deep and prolonged search within oneself, but, although it may take time, finding your motivation will help you live happier, with less stress, and identify where to take your professional career. To be who you really want to be.
I hope these tips are useful to you. If once you have followed them, you discover what you want to dedicate yourself to, do not hesitate to contact us, we would love for you to be part of our team.
