Did you know…
People are more afraid of uncertainty than they are of physical pain?
That’s what I heard at a recent networking event when the speaker played an audio clip from Buddhist teacher Pema Chodren.
I thought, what? Seriously?
People would rather experience PAIN than be unsure about what might happen in the future?
How about you? How do you feel about uncertainty and living in the space of the unknown?
It’s a space I embrace!
Yup. I believe uncertainty can be a wonderful, mysterious and life-renewing place—on a global and personal level.
Here’s what Eckhart Tolle says, “If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity.”
Exactly! I accept and often adore uncertainty because from the space of the unknown all things are possible—including high-level creativity, innovation, the solution to difficult problems or the answer to ‘impossible’ dreams.
In the mysterious, curious, place of the unknown where we don’t have any preconceived idea of what ‘should’ happen, anything CAN happen.
“The magic is in the mystery,” as I like to say.
Consider this. Would you take a risk or go on an adventure if you knew how it was going to unfold?
Here’s a personal example. When I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro I really didn’t know how or if I would ascend the 19,341 feet to the summit and still be able to breathe.
Less than half of the people who attempt the summit reach it, due to altitude sickness. And no one knows, even elite athletes, if they’ll get altitude sickness (and how badly) until they’re on the mountain.
Yet the uncertainty of the outcome did not sway me. It fuelled me. Thrilled me. And allowed me to be surprised by the beauty and unexpected twists and turns of what each day would bring.
In short, it allowed me to embrace the unknown rather than fear it.
That’s the space from which all great journeys, inventions, art, and even businesses are created.
If you knew the results before the process what would be the point (or joy) of the exploration, experiment or experience?
Here’s another success story. I’m coaching a client whose dream is to expand her marketing business to a whole new level—a “Superpower Digital” level (that’s the company’s new name we came up with). However, moving into a new reality of hiring team members, taking on new clients, bigger projects, and more responsibilities can create a little ‘uncertainty.’
Yet here’s what she’s discovered: “I realized how quickly fear can shift once you get a new perspective on it—then you can move through it.”
Yes! The big Ah-ha moment arrives: uncertainty can shift from fearful to acceptable… even joyful.
Then the space opens to allow expansion, creativity, intrigue, imagination, and unexpected discoveries that will take your business, life, and loves to new heights and beyond.
In this place of all possibility uncertainty transforms to clarity.
And fear transforms to faith.
Fear of uncertainty is simply the belief that you don’t have the ability, wisdom, or resources to create the result you want. None of this is true, from the perspective of your higher self, though your human self may feel that way.
So let’s look at “fear of uncertainty” from a different point of view… and maybe avoid some deep pain.
You might think the best way to handle uncertainty is to avoid it, and keep you and your future safe by maintaining the status quo, “doing what you’ve always done.”
But here’s the thing. Security, and confidence, only comes from taking risks and discovering “more” of who you really are.
To feel secure your body, mind, and soul needs to feel like you are growing, expanding, and reaching for new things. Fear is reduced when you face it and, as my client discovered, move through it to move forward.
Have you ever noticed when you try and achieve something new, (changing jobs, moving to a new city or country, climbing a mountain?) you feel braver, stronger, and that other things might be possible?
You have the power! You can consciously decide how you want to feel and what you’d like to experience, without needing to know how everything will unfold.
Replace fear with curiosity.
Getting comfortable with the unknown is the fastest way to realize your dreams or big audacious goals.
Does fear of uncertainty keep you stuck, struggling or in “pain?”
I’d love to support you to shift that fear and its power.
If you’re ready to move from uncertainty to clarity to bring your next big goal or dream to life, I’m now taking applications for my next Soul Ignition Coaching Program, which begins April 12, 2018.
That’s the program where my client found how quickly you can move from ‘fear to forward’ with the right tools, perspective, and guidance. Check it out HERE.