Don't die with dreams: Overcoming uncertainty

Let’s see if this describes you: Do you fear the future? Are you afraid of taking big risks, and get scared that you may never achieve your dreams? If you’ve answered yes, then you battle with uncertainty. And I hate to break it to you but they’re winning.

Uncertainty is that feeling you get when all you want to do is wrap yourself up in a blanket instead of going out into the world. It’s that feeling that stops you from chasing your dreams and that voice that lists off every reason not to do something. But its time to win the fight against uncertainty.

We all deal with uncertainty. It’s a universal struggle. It creeps into our lives when making business and financial decisions or when wanting to ask out that person on a date. As humans we crave certainty and safety. And when we can’t have complete certainty, we tend to avoid things altogether.

But nothing good ever happens in life when you’re alone in your room. Which is why taking risks is inevitable and overcoming uncertainty is necessary for a successful and happy life.

Here’s an example: When I was traveling Europe, I was afraid of getting my phone stolen since it was my way of getting around. I was afraid that I would be lost and stranded without it. I was uncertain about how I would react in that possible situation. But I decided to travel anyways and be cautious. And you know what happened? One night I was wandering the city alone and got my phone stolen. So, I found a taxi and went home. My worst-case scenario had happened. And I dealt with it and things didn’t seem so scary after that. We can never totally predict situations which is why we need to live without fear.

Here are ways to beat uncertainty:

1. Learn to be okay with worst-case scenarios. Whether that is failure, rejection, or loss, we must accept that things may not go our way. But taking risks in life is more important than playing it safe. So go out do things, even if you hit speed bumps on the way, you’ll be stronger because of it.

2. You’ll always regret what you didn’t do. Doing something and failing, is exponentially better than not doing anything at all. Because anything you do in life, success, or fail, will improve who are you are and make you more confident in any endeavour. If you’re uncertain about doing something, it means that deep you down, you want to do it but you’re afraid. Those are the times to jump in and grab life by the horns, even if you’re unprepared, you will grow, gain valuable experience, and you will never wonder what if.

3. Trust yourself to go after what you want. No one has gotten in far in life without taking risks. So go after what you want, and trust that you will be able to deal with whatever may come your way.

Life is only worth a damn because its short. It’s designed to be consumed, spent, lived, and felt. We’re supposed to fill it with mistakes and miracles. So go out and do life. Say yes to everything. Spend money and stop worrying. Do things you wouldn’t normally do because that what life is about.

*Don’t die with dreams. Life begins outside of your bedroom door.