A user’s guide to navigating uncertainty

What is uncertainty anyway?

If you've ever faced a tough decision, made a diagnosis, or even just tried to plan your week in a fast-changing world, you're already familiar with uncertainty. But did you know it's actually been studied and defined?

Uncertainty arises from three key sources:

• Ambiguity – when information is vague or incomplete (e.g., a borderline lab result or unclear patient history).
• Complexity – when there are too many interrelated variables (e.g., multiple coexisting conditions in one patient).
• Probability – when outcomes are inherently unpredictable (e.g., how a patient might respond to a new treatment).

These three elements don’t exist in isolation—they often show up together, creating the kind of uncertainty that can feel overwhelming… or full of possibility.

Why embrace uncertainty?

It may sound counterintuitive, but uncertainty—when experienced in safe, structured ways—can actually benefit your growth. Especially in educational or professional learning environments, controlled uncertainty:

• Prepares you for the complexity of real-world work.
• Fosters curiosity and deep learning—if you're open to it.
• Promotes adaptability and flexible thinking—key 21st-century skills.
• Strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving abilities—real-life challenges rarely come with clear-cut answers.
• Gives you valuable experience in making decisions without all the information.

So next time you find yourself unsure, try reframing it—not as something to fear, but as something to learn from as you navigate through it.

Uncertainty: threat or opportunity?

Here’s the truth: Uncertain situations take extra energy. Predictable situations feel easier to manage—that’s why we like them. But unpredictable ones challenge us to stretch and grow.

Your perspective matters. See uncertainty as a threat? It’ll drain you. See it as a challenge? It can energize and motivate you.

Uncertainty can also make you feel exposed—like you're taking a risk or making yourself vulnerable. That’s part of the learning process, whether you're in the classroom, on a clinical placement, or stepping into a new role.

Rethinking “right answers”

From early on, many of us are taught that certainty is good and uncertainty is bad. That there’s a gold standard—a “right” answer—and that success means getting it. But life, work, and relationships are rarely that black-and-white.

Real-world problems are often open-ended. There may be multiple “right-ish” answers—or none at all. Some answers are better than others, sure—but this often depends on context, values, and interpretation.

Try to notice how you feel in open-ended situations. Can you loosen your grip on “right” and “wrong”? What happens when you lead with curiosity instead of control knowing that feeling uncomfortable is not the same as being unsafe?

Let go of the crystal ball

We love to predict the future based on the past. It feels safe. But often, those predictions miss the mark. Then we’re left reeling when reality doesn't match our expectations.

Instead, try this: Trust the process. It’s like driving through fog—you can only see as far as your headlights reach. But that’s all you need to keep moving forward.

So, how do you navigate uncertainty?

Navigating uncertain situations is a skill. And like any skill, it gets easier with practice.

1. Name it. Recognize when a situation is ambiguous, complex, or unpredictable. Understanding why something feels uncertain can make it more manageable.
2. Reflect. How do you feel about uncertainty? How do you typically respond? These can be two very different things.
3. Reframe. Is this an opportunity to learn something new? To grow personally or professionally?
4. Set goals. Try developing comfort in uncertain environments. This might mean approaching open-ended assignments with more curiosity or tolerating “not knowing” in clinical practice.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice. Think about learning how to interview a client. How many times did it take before it felt normal? Routine? Reframing being “tested” into an opportunity to practice and improve can help you focus on building skill and confidence.

Finding your new normal

The more you engage with uncertainty—especially in structured learning environments—the more you build your tolerance and adaptability. Over time, what once felt overwhelming starts to feel routine. Your “new normal” includes the ability to move forward even when the path ahead isn’t fully clear.

Final thought

Uncertainty isn’t going away. But your relationship with it can change. With a bit of practice, reflection, and curiosity, you can move from dreading uncertain situations to navigating these with confidence—and maybe even a bit of excitement.