While heading into my Master’s program at the beginning of this new year, I could already hear the familiar whispers of doubt creeping in. Primarily, it’s been a while since I last attended post-secondary school, and I find myself wondering: What if my brain struggles to adjust to a formal learning environment again? With so many moving parts—onboarding, student orientation, and mastering the online learning platform—what if I get lost in the process? Have I made a big mistake?
As someone who takes pride in advanced preparation and fact-finding, it was challenging to accept that there was only so much I could do with the information and resources that were available at the time. I wasn’t going to know more until the program actually began. Until then, I was left to helplessly grapple with the unknown.
For a planner like me, the uncertainty was both daunting and frustrating. Yet, I was determined to protect my confidence as I stepped into this new adventure. So, how does one stay confident in the face of the unknown? How can we continue to grow while waiting in limbo?
Uncertainty is inherently stressful and challenging, and the prospect of growth amid uncertainty can feel almost unattainable. However, I’ve discovered some insights and practices that have helped me maintain my mindset and, if not forward momentum, at least a sense of stability. I hope these might be helpful for you as well:
- Stay curious.
Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep an open mind and stay curious about the situation. This will help you see things from different perspectives and find new solutions. - Focus on what you can control.
When facing uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what you can’t control. Instead, focus on what you can control, such as your own thoughts, actions, and reactions. - Practice resilience.
Resilience is the ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks. Practice resilience by staying positive, focusing on your strengths, and seeking support when needed. - Set goals. Small goals.
Setting mini, achievable goals can help you stay focused and motivated during uncertain times. Make sure your goals are realistic and broken down into smaller, achievable steps to maintain momentum. - Embrace change.
Uncertainty often comes with change, and change can be scary. However, embracing change—especially the unpredictable, undesirable sort—can help you grow and develop new skills. Remember that change is inevitable, and it’s how you respond to it that matters. - Take action.
Don’t let uncertainty paralyze you. Take action, even if it’s a small step. Taking action can help you feel more in charge and fosters a sense of progress. - Raise your hand.
Your goal requires massive change, so be patient with yourself and don’t do it alone! Raise your hand and ask for support – whether for your project, sharing household activities, a sympathetic ear, and/or professional coaching/counselling. - Have fun with it. Seriously.
Mistakes don’t equal failure. In fact, mistakes can fast-track you towards your next learning opportunity. Have fun with it. Don’t take yourself, the work, or the process too seriously.