Greetings from the middle of the unknown.

I’m waiting for an outcome that will deeply impact my life. And it’s completely out of my control.

Sound familiar? I know it does.

We often find ourselves in this gap. You crush an interview loop, then wait to hear whether the job is yours. Weather another round of layoffs and wonder if you’re next. Pitch a brand you adore, knowing they’re considering dozens of others. And then we’re enveloped in macro uncertainty around AI disruption, the economy, the labor market, the political landscape (although last week was nice 💙)...

Uncertainty sucks.

We actually experience more stress and anxiety when a shitty outcome is uncertain than when it's guaranteed.

And yet we are being called on to not just tolerate, but thrive in uncertainty.

But how?! “Be here now” is a great north star, but it’s easier said than done.

I recently read “How to Not Know,” by journalist and author Simone Stolzoff, and this line sums up my philosophy: “When faced with existential uncertainty—whether personal or planetary—taking initiative can restore a sense of agency. In the face of fear, action itself becomes a kind of hope.”

Here’s what I’m doing right now. Maybe it’ll help you through a season of uncertainty too:

• Do the things that nourish you. For me, that’s movement and music, even when I don’t feel like it. What refills your tank?
• Lean on your people. I’m connecting with my loved ones who validate my feelings and steady the chaos. Who are your people?
• Release control. Saying “I’ve done all I can” helps me refocus on what’s actually productive. How do you stop the spiral?
• Plan for the worst. I’ve said all my “what ifs” out loud and talked through mitigations, so I’m not caught off guard. What risks need managing?
• Angle for the best. I’m zooming out to look for possible silver linings without forcing toxic positivity. What might be even better than you expected?

Be well out there as we all earn our Uncertainty Black Belts, whether we want ‘em or not.

Onward!
Grace

P.S. Did you know I host workshops to help folks manage uncertainty in their careers? If you belong to a community (e.g., professional development org, higher ed alumni network, entrepreneurship hub) that could use support, hit reply and let me know!