EP173: Thriving (or Surviving?) Through Uncertainty
WHEN THE PATH IS UNCLEAR…
…staying grounded and connected is everything.
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
This episode was sparked by a question a client recently asked me: "Is there a module on thriving through uncertainty?"
It caused me to pause—not because uncertainty isn’t a part of the work I do, but because of how big that word thriving can feel when you’re in the thick of the unknown. This conversation is a deep dive into what it really means to lead ourselves (and others) through times when clarity is missing and the ground feels a little shaky.
A Quick Recap: Thriving Through Change
Before we dig into uncertainty, I want to revisit two earlier episodes of the podcast—Episodes 113 and 114—where I talked about thriving through change.
In Episode 113, I shared how change is inevitable and that the ability to move from simply surviving to thriving starts with self-awareness. We talked about different types of change (shock, evolutionary, and strategic), and I walked through William Bridges' Transition Model: Endings → Neutral Zone → New Beginnings. The big idea? Understanding your emotional responses can help you navigate change more intentionally.
In Episode 114, I used the lens of Insights Discovery to explore how our personality styles influence how we process change. From Cool Blue to Fiery Red, Sunshine Yellow to Earth Green, we each bring strengths—and challenges—to the experience of transition. I also talked about resilience and adaptability as two essential traits for navigating change well.
What Does It Mean to “Thrive” Through Uncertainty?
Let’s be honest—when you’re deep in uncertainty, “thriving” can feel like telling someone lost in a corn maze to enjoy the journey. Sometimes, survival feels like a more honest goal.
Thriving often evokes images of flourishing, success, and vibrancy—wonderful outcomes, yes, but not always accessible when the future feels murky. In those moments, phrases like “acknowledging uncertainty” or “navigating through it” might feel more realistic and helpful. Thriving may still be the long-term goal, but in the moment, holding steady is just as valuable.
Understanding Where Uncertainty Fits in Change
Here’s the distinction:
Change is the external event—something that happens to us or around us.
Transition is the internal, emotional process we go through in response to that change.
According to Bridges’ model, uncertainty lives squarely in the neutral zone—that uncomfortable in-between space after something ends but before something new has taken hold. It’s where direction is blurry and stability feels distant.
Even when we initiate change—like starting a new job or moving to a new city—uncertainty still comes with it. You may be excited and confident in your decision but still feel disoriented by the unknowns.
Why Our Brains Struggle With Uncertainty
Our brains crave certainty because certainty equals safety. When we don’t know what’s next, our brain sounds the alarm—even when the stakes aren’t life or death. This activates the stress response: hypervigilance, anxiety, or fight-flight-freeze reactions.
Here’s a helpful pause point: Ask yourself, Is this an inconvenience or a true threat? That one question can help you recalibrate how you respond.
What Uncertainty Can Look and Feel Like
Not all uncertainty is created equal. There’s:
Light uncertainty: A rescheduled meeting, a vague timeline.
Severe uncertainty: Job loss, major restructuring, personal crisis.
But without awareness, our bodies may react to both types the same. Uncertainty can show up as:
Insomnia, headaches, physical stress symptoms.
Disengagement, procrastination, irritability.
Emotional overwhelm—fear, anger, sadness, or total withdrawal.
Leaders and teams may see morale and collaboration decline when uncertainty takes hold.
The Emotional Landscape of the Unknown
Let’s talk about what might show up emotionally in the neutral zone:
Skepticism: “It didn’t work last time; why would it now?”
Confusion: “I don’t know where to turn.”
Stress: “Nothing is clear, and I’m exhausted.”
Resistance: “Why are we even doing this?”
Or even early glimpses of exploration and possibility.
Naming your emotions—no matter how messy—helps process them. This is true for individuals and teams alike.
Practical Ways to Manage Uncertainty
Here are a few strategies I often explore with coaching clients to help move through uncertainty more intentionally:
1. Acknowledge and Name It
Say it out loud: “This is unclear, and it makes sense that I’m struggling.” Naming the experience helps normalize it—for you and your team.
2. Offer Grace
Uncertainty doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence. Extend grace to yourself and others.
3. Lean Into Connection
Don’t isolate. Unprocessed emotion can lead to “buffering” behaviors like overworking, over-shopping, or shutting down. Reach out. Talk it out. Human connection softens the edges of uncertainty.
4. Try These Exercises
Name all your fears. Get them out of your head and onto paper.
What’s the worst that could happen? Explore possibilities, not just catastrophes.
What’s within my control? Focus your energy where it will make a difference.
What might I need to prepare for—just in case? Build confidence through proactive thinking.
5. Understand Your Triggers
What spikes your anxiety? Lack of updates? Conflicting messages? Too much screen time? Notice the patterns so you can respond more intentionally.
6. Check in on Your Resilience
Are you doing what helps you bounce back? Sleep, movement, mindfulness, and reflection practices like journaling or gratitude can strengthen your resilience and self-regulation.
7. Consider Personality Preferences
Using tools like Insights Discovery, reflect on how your natural style responds to change. What supports you? What might derail you? And how can you better support your team based on their preferences?
Final Thoughts
Thriving through uncertainty doesn’t mean being unaffected. It means staying aware, connected, and choosing intentional responses over reactive ones.
It’s okay if it feels messy. That’s part of being human.
What Do You Think?
When you feel uncertainty creeping in, what one small practice—name a fear, reach out to someone, or list what’s in your control—will you try?
Links
Episode 113: Thriving Through Change - What Does It Mean For You?
Episode 114: Thriving Through Change - How You Respond
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