Studies show that the people who have the easiest time being positive master the art of living in ambiguity and uncertainty. They have achieved the skills to weather the storm, even if they can’t predict the outcome. They can regulate their thinking to include and accept the possibility of both desired and unwanted outcomes.
If you want to be more positive, it’s time to learn to tolerate uncertainty. Some synonyms for tolerance include
- Stamina
- Fortitude
- Forbearance
Being tolerant also means allowing for more than one outcome or experience despite personal preference. Developing tolerance for uncertainty may feel scary or strange at first. Embracing the unknown as an option leaves the door wide open for unwanted outcomes. The facts are many people spend time being negative and worrying about things they can’t control. The negativity robs them of the peace they could be experiencing.
Here are some techniques to get better at living with uncertainty
- Relieve yourself of responsibility
- Do what you can, then let go in peace
- Imagine what great things may happen
Relieve yourself of misdirected responsibility- Many people assign themselves responsibilities that aren’t theirs. In the name of preventing failure, they take on responsibilities that create negativity. You see this a lot with parents who take on the responsibility of making their children accountable rather than allowing natural and logical consequences play out. If your presence in a situation likely won’t influence the outcome, you are better off allowing things to play out and let the chips fall where they may. It may feel like poor parenting to allow your child to fail, but it may be the best thing for them.
Do what you can, then let it go in peace- When something is uncertain, there’s only so much you can do. Regret is a powerful feeling, and most people want to avoid it. That can lead to hyper-focus on a problem they may not have control over. Learning to live in uncertainty requires doing what you can and letting the rest go. Find peace knowing you’ve done what can be done and rest in patience to see what happens. Knowing you’ve done all you can is a positive thing to be proud of.
Think of all the good things that can happen- Living in uncertainty means there are a range of things that can happen. Some may be positive, some negative. You can’t add a moment to your life, worrying, so why not be hopeful? Meditating on what can go right can lead to a powerful feeling or anticipation and peace. While you don’t have to discount the possible negative outcomes, you can overshadow them with the positive possibilities.
Being positive requires some leaps of faith. Living in uncertainty is one of them. You can develop a tolerance for the ambiguous by practicing letting things go, doing all that you can, and meditating on what can go right.
