Chapter 1: The Nature of Uncertainty

Have you ever found yourself hesitating to take a step forward? This could manifest as simple actions like picking up groceries, attending a social event, starting a new fitness routine, or enrolling in a class you’ve always wanted to take. What holds you back?

There are always justifications. Always.

Why do you skip grocery shopping on non-scheduled days? Perhaps it’s simply because you’ve conditioned yourself not to stop on Tuesdays, even if you’re out of bread and need to cook meals. Picking up that bread is the straightforward, cost-effective solution, yet you still pass it by.

Is it really about the time it takes to make that stop? Or is it the anxiety linked to deviating from your established routine? This might seem extreme, but what truly prevents you from making that stop?

You’ve established a predictable pattern: driving home after work on Tuesdays and shopping on Saturdays. Altering this routine introduces unpredictability.

This unpredictability leads to questions: How busy will the store be after work? Who will be shopping there? You’re familiar with the Saturday crowd, but the Tuesday evening shoppers are a mystery. Will you find parking in your usual spot, or will you need to walk? Will your usual cashier be there, or will you encounter someone new? Will the self-checkout line be crowded?

This uncertainty invites doubt and leads to an internal debate. Do you really need that bread? Should you skip the store and get it later? Maybe you could opt for another meal since sandwiches are getting dull. Eventually, this internal dialogue results in either a decision to buy the bread or to drive home empty-handed. The fear of the unknown creates enough hesitation to deter you from taking an action you initially desired.

You’ve ingrained a habit of not shopping on Tuesdays. Your mind is comfortable with this routine. However, it becomes uncertain when you consider changing it.

Your brain instinctively leans toward the familiar. If your decisions align with your established patterns, you feel secure. But what about moments when you face choices that deviate from these patterns?

Is a good night’s sleep always more important than going out with friends? Or is it the fear of uncertainty surrounding the event? How long will it take to get there? Who will attend? Will you feel at ease?

What about your fitness routine? Are you hesitant to try new exercises because of the time it may take to learn them, or do you fear looking awkward? The anxiety about the potential outcomes can be paralyzing.

A new class might sound exciting, yet the fear of change, of looking foolish, or of not fitting in can hold you back. Doubts stem from the unknown—uncertainty breeds second-guessing.

Your brain prefers to stick to familiar paths. It’s convinced that by adhering to what you know, you can successfully navigate through your day. Thus, it nudges you to continue on the well-trodden path rather than explore the unfamiliar.

But how can you break free from this cycle of uncertainty? Much like individuals throughout history, it comes down to choice. Your brain will always favor the known path over the one that seems risky.

You can overcome these ingrained patterns and eliminate uncertainty. Start with the smallest action you can take today, and then continue tomorrow.

Small steps, when taken consistently, lead to significant results. They build upon each other, similar to compound interest, and can transform your habits without feeling overwhelming. You possess the capacity to initiate a small change—large actions can feel daunting.

Over time, these little adjustments culminate in substantial transformation. Often, you may not realize how much you’ve changed until you reflect on the past month or year.

In the midst of making small changes, the process feels manageable and even enjoyable.

Choose one minor adjustment. Skip that coffee run and put the money in savings. Store the bread out of your dog’s reach. Read a book during your commute instead of scrolling through social media. Walk to the mailbox rather than stopping on your way home. Dedicate ten minutes daily to a task you dislike. Completing it sooner means it’s no longer looming over you.

So, how do you convince yourself to buy that bread?

You need to silence the doubts and make a decision. The thoughts that arise—those protective instincts—are not always realistic. They stem from a survival mechanism that weighs the known against the unknown.

You may find your mind echoing phrases from your parents or recalling past experiences. That’s your brain attempting to remind you of the usual outcomes.

It’s time to tell your brain to pause. Those old narratives are no longer relevant. You’re making choices that serve you best in the moment. It truly can be that simple. You have the power to choose.

Dismiss what no longer benefits you and take action. If you evaluate the genuine factors, separate from your brain’s fear-based instincts, and you recognize a high likelihood of success, then make that stop for the bread.

Here’s a video titled "Feelings of Uncertainty and How to Manage Them," which discusses effective strategies for dealing with uncertainty in various aspects of life.

Additionally, check out "How to Deal with Uncertainty - Without Self-Sabotage," which explores methods to confront uncertainty without hindering your progress.