Certainty Versus Uncertainty

As humans, we have a very specific problem.   Well maybe not ALL humans.  This just applies to the ones that want to evolve and grow and change.  And the fact that you are reading a blog, tells me you are one of “those people.”   The problem has to do with Certainty and unCertainty.

As humans we are constantly looking to create certainty in our lives.  We want to create the airtight plans.  We want to select the “best” way to do something.  We really want to know the outcome of any endeavor before we actually take the leap.  If we can’t know and predict success (with certainty), many of us don’t want to take action at all.

The problem, of course, starts with this; there is no certainty.  In no area of life is there really certainty.  We cannot predict the future.  We don’t know how long we are going to live.  We can’t ensure the gamble will work.  We can’t ever be totally certain…of anything.   We are chasing a ghost.

Ironically the only thing that is really certain…is uncertainty.

Here’s the other thing, uncertainty is where the magic happens. If you want to learn anything new, that comes in the land of uncertainty.  If you want to level up at work, there is no specific path that guarantees success. If you want to create a business, write a book, run a marathon, or date the person of your dreams, you are going to have to willingly and earnestly lean into an area that will be completely uncertain.

So that’s the paradox.  We seek a level of certainty that is unattainable.  We avoid the uncertainty, because it makes us uncomfortable.  But our personal and professional growth comes when we embrace the uncertainty of life…and lean in.

Take the leap.  Make the call.  Put in the work.  It might not work.  The outcome is not certain.  And that, my friends, is perfect.

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Written by: Kirby Hasseman

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications. Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. Kirby has published four books. His most recent is “Fan of Happy.” His book, called "Delivering Marketing Joy" is about doing “promo right” and is perfect for people in the industry and customers. He also wrote “Think Big For Small Business” and “Give Your Way to Success. All are available on Amazon.