Where Are You Headed in 2024?

A Model that Suggests Some Options for Our Age of Uncertainty

One of the most important relationships we can have—especially in today’s mixed-up world—is also one of our least-examined.

It’s our relationship with uncertainty.

Of course, because we are swimming in a sea of uncertainty these days, you may feel quite clear about one thing: Uncertainty is hard, and what you want is greater certainty.

But what we want and what we have are not the same thing.

So, it’s worth considering how comfortable you are with uncertainty—and where that might lead you.

As the model below suggests, when our comfort with uncertainty is low—and the rate of change is low—well, given the state of the world, that puts us in a fantasy zone. Alternatively, when our comfort with uncertainty is high and the rate of change is high, we’re likely in a boredom zone. (Also, a bit of a fantasy space these days.)

So, let’s consider the more realistic domains: when the rate of change is high.

If our comfort with uncertainty is low, we tend to be stressed. And, as we all know, chronic stress can have many long-term negative consequences—on our health, productivity, performance, and happiness.

But if our comfort with uncertainty is high, we enter the courage zone, which most of us would agree is the better alternative. Courage, after all, is essential to achieving any challenging mission or goal of significance.

Developing courage saves time and money wasted on indecision, avoidance, and anxiety. It also improves decision-making, innovative problem-solving, and adaptation to changing circumstances. And it fosters positive mental health, well-being, and happiness.

So, how do we get to the courage zone?

We often toss the word “courage” around in loosey-goosey fashion, as if it is magic fairy dust sprinkled over some but not others or something we can achieve without old-fashioned effort.

But courage doesn’t just happen. Like anything else, it takes a commitment to developing a true understanding of what it is, the emotional capacity to bring it to life, and practice.

This is what I will continue to explore here on Substack in 2024. I welcome your thoughts!

Warm wishes during a cold winter,

Lisa

P.S. This is also the subject of my forthcoming book, Mission Driven: Leading with Courage in an Uncertain World, and the coaching and programs I am offering this year. If you’re interested in learning more about my services, please reach out. And if you know someone interested in this topic, please consider sharing this newsletter with them.