how do we embrace uncertainty?

If we are tired of saying "Maybe" to our destiny, we need to embrace uncertainty.

That sounds nice in theory, but seems much more difficult in practice.

I completely agree with you.

There, glad we cleared that up.

But, seriously...it's still there in all it's uncomfortable glory.

Think about how many things in life that because we aren't certain of something, we stop moving in it's direction. We punch in on #TheMaybeClock and start to make excuses. "Maybe I'll get to 'it' later." That's how fast we log hours living in the land of frustration and stagnancy.

Whatever "it" we are dealing with, there needs to be a process for our progress.

It's our human nature to want assurance of how something is going to turn out before we ever step out. We want to know the whole story before the end of the first chapter. 

When I googled the word "Uncertain" this is what popped up:

"Not able to be relied on, not known or definite".

Also, this:

"(of a person) not completely confident or sure of something".

​If we waited to move in the direction of our calling based on the need to have guarantees of certainties, we'd be standing in the same place for all of eternity. If our feet don't move, then ground isn't covered, and experiences aren't taken in and learned from that are integral to our story.

One of the questions I'm wrestling with as I write this...

Why does uncertainty scare us?

​The older I get, the more I realize that when we shy away from an opportunity because it doesn't come with an outcome that is guaranteed we miss the most beautiful moments of growth we could ever hope to experience.

It's easy to follow, fall in line, and keep our distance. Let someone else go first. Except...that burning desire on the inside of you that you were meant for more. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt you were called to lead. It's just that, well, there are so many unanswered questions, doubts, and...uncertainties.

What is one of the biggest obstacles we need to hurdle to over uncertainty? 

Our pride.

Embracing uncertainty means we need to be comfortable wrestling with our pride.

It might not work out.

​It might be embarrassing.

People might talk about what a fool we made of ourselves.

Or...

It might be epic.

It might be a platform to bring incredibly needed change to the world.

People might talk about how courageous we were.

Either way, it doesn't really matter.

Why?

Because if we are waiting to start moving in the direction of our calling based on the opinions of doubters, we've handed over the pen that writes our story to someone who couldn't possibly know as much as we do about the passion that is buried deep down inside of us. They couldn't begin to tap into the resolve that our life experiences have given us, and unleash an absolute tidal wave of resiliency as we run after the end game we feel led to chase down.

​I have a strong sense that we try our best to shake off uncertainty like it's a weight that holds us back. I think that we need to embrace it as a traveling companion that keeps us humble as we go.

So can we bring up the big, three letter word attached to this "embrace uncertainty" idea we are floating out there today that has us spinning our wheels?

HOW do we embrace uncertainty?

Here is how I am choosing to remember it.

One phrase, and one simple acronym to keep me on course.

Uncertainty does better in trusted company.

A.C.T.

​Accountability from trusted advisor(s), mentor(s), or close confidants.

Consistency of effort even if, and especially when, the journey gets hard.

Transparency to share the honest "wins" and "losses" we experience along the way.

I say it in my work all the time...

When we know WHO we are, we'll know WHAT to do.

When we think about how to dance with uncertainty, here is my approach:

​When we know WHO we are, we'll know WHAT to do...

Because we'll A.C.T. accordingly.

​Embracing uncertainty means moving off the island of isolation.

​And one more very important thing...

If these relationships are your traveling companions, you are going to need fuel to get where you are going.

Here it is:

Embracing uncertainty means it can't be just about me.

We are hard-wired as humans for companionship through this journey called life. I believe we are equally hard-wired to serve others as the focus of our calling.

Whatever skill set(s) we have, if all we ever do is use it to serve our own wants, needs, and advancements, we are in trouble. We could be given a guaranteed outcome of excellence, never have to wrestle with uncertainty, and if done alone...we'd arrive feeling completely empty.

And right here, my friends, is how we take the fear out of the unknown that lies ahead.

When life is done shoulder to shoulder with those we trust, to serve others with our gifts, uncertainty is but a mere distraction we can walk away from.

"...it MAY BE that..." we need to step back and see our journey differently.

​We don't have to punch in to an indefinite shift on #TheMaybeClock if we learn that embracing uncertainty isn't a limitation after all.

​And that is where we will start tomorrow.

​We'll talk about how to see our "MAYBE" moments as momentum builders.

I can't wait for that one!

​I hope these first few days of #TheMaybeClock have been an encouragement to you.

​Until tomorrow,

​-Brett