Acceptance of Uncertainty

To worry less, it's essential to adopt a more balanced perspective on uncertainty, recognizing that it's not as threatening as you might think. Building tolerance for life's uncertainties can help you find more joy in the present moment.

Notice how letting go of the need for certainty can reduce your worries about the future and increase your appreciation for the present.

If you're someone who struggles with uncertainty, you may engage in behaviors that aim to reduce or eliminate it. These behaviors can be categorized into two types:

• Approach behaviors: actions that try to make things more certain, such as seeking excessive reassurance, re-checking, gathering too much information, over-preparing, or doing everything yourself.
• Avoidant behaviors: actions that avoid uncertainty altogether, such as procrastination, relying on others, partial commitment, or avoidance.

However, despite your best efforts, it's impossible to eliminate all uncertainty. Instead of trying to control everything, it's crucial to learn to tolerate and become more comfortable with uncertainty. Recognize that uncertainty is not as dangerous as you think, and most uncertain situations turn out fine. Even when they don't, you can handle them.

Unforeseen events, such as accidents or natural disasters, can occur. While taking basic safety precautions is essential, excessive worry about potential dangers can rob you of the present moment. To worry less, focus on developing a more balanced perspective on uncertainty and build your tolerance for life's uncertainties. This means facing uncertain situations head-on, resisting the urge to seek reassurance or control, and instead, learning to sit with the uncertainty.