ONE IDEA FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT  

I, like most people, struggle with uncertainty. Uncertainty in how things will play out, my career, the world's state, and so much more.

It's something we all face, yet it's often one of the hardest things to deal with.

I used to let uncertainty paralyze me. It felt overwhelming and scary. But over time, I found powerful frameworks that helped me regain control and confidence in those uncertain moments.

Here are 4 frameworks I use whenever I feel uncertain, and they've made the world of difference. You can find them laid out in this printable PDF. 

Framework 1: The ABC Model

This model helps you recognize how your beliefs shape your reactions. 

• Adversity: What happened? What’s the situation?
• Belief: What are you telling yourself about this situation?
• Consequences: How does that belief make you feel and act?

The key here is to reframe your belief, so the situation feels like an opportunity, not a setback. The way you choose to interpret adversity can make all the difference in how you respond.

Framework 2: The GRIT Framework

In uncertain times, use the GRIT framework to remind yourself to stay resilient.

• Growth: How can you grow from this challenge?
• Resilience: How will you bounce back stronger?
• Instinct: What is your gut telling you?
• Tenacity: What small steps can you take today to stay motivated?

This long-term perspective on perseverance helps you move forward despite the unknowns. It's about staying focused on progress, not perfection.

Framework 3: The 3 C's of Resilience

The 3 C’s help you stay grounded when things feel out of control.

• Control: What can you control right now? Focus on this first.
• Challenge: How can you view this as a challenge rather than a threat?
• Commitment: Are you committed to staying aligned with your values, no matter what? 

Focusing on what you can control and viewing challenges as opportunities to grow helps you manage your reactions to uncertainty.

Framework 4: The 5 Pillars of Resilience

This framework strengthens your resilience by balancing key areas of your life.

• Physical Well-Being: Exercise, rest, eat well to recharge.
• Mental Strength: Stay mindful, reframe negativity.
• Emotional Regulation: Breathe through stress.
• Social Support: Lean on your trusted relationships.
• Purpose & Meaning: Find meaning in uncertainty to stay motivated.

By nurturing these five areas, you strengthen your resilience, even when life gets unpredictable.

TWO QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. What’s one area of uncertainty in your life right now, and how could you use one of these frameworks to change your perspective on it?
2. How often do you let fear of the unknown dictate your decisions, and what would happen if you leaned into the uncertainty instead?

ONE EXERCISE FOR YOU TO TRY THIS WEEK

This week, choose ONE of the frameworks above to apply to an uncertain situation in your life. Write it down, and track how you handle the situation with this new approach.

For example, if you're uncertain about whether your promotion will go through, apply the 3 C's of Resilience:

• Control: Focus on what you can control, like your performance and communication with your manager.
• Challenge: Reframe the uncertainty as an opportunity to showcase your strengths.
• Commitment: Stay committed to your goals and continue to act in alignment with your values.

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of growth. Use these frameworks to find your way through it, and you’ll come out stronger on the other side!