Let's dive into something that’s close to my heart and has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth: the power of embracing uncertainty and handling whatever life throws at you.
Back in 2012, I was on the brink of a huge life change. I was about to leave my secure employed role to venture into the unknown and start my own consultancy. It was a leap into the abyss and naturally, the voices in my head were having a field day. They were loud, insistent and full of doubts. It was during this time, I picked up Susan Jeffers’ book while on a much-needed holiday before the big leap, ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ (I highly recommend it—it’s a 10/10 read).
There was one particular line that stuck with me: “It is reported that over 90% of what we worry about never happens. That means that our negative worries have less than a 10% chance of being correct.”
Lying by the pool, letting that sink in, was a game-changer; back then I was prone to needing a plan b, c, d… to help me in handling life’s challenges. In fact, my motto was “just in case”. Sure, bad stuff happens. I’m not here to sugarcoat it. We all know life can throw some pretty rough punches. There’s nothing wrong with being prepared for the worst, yet when I looked back at my life, I realised that the times I’ve succeeded or simply made it through far outweighed the tough times. This reflection became a pivotal moment for me. It was then that I adopted the mantra, “I’ll handle it”, and it’s served me well ever since.
I went as far as making a little sign that lives right next to my desk. It might sound like just another positive affirmation but for me, it’s so much more. It’s a reminder of all the times I’ve been up ‘that’ creek – you know the one – and made it through, both in my personal and professional life. That sign has seen me through some of the toughest moments, constantly reminding me that no matter what happens, I can and I will handle it.
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Running a consultancy focused on mindset, resilience and wellbeing, I’ve come to understand that handling life’s ups and downs isn’t about avoiding the bad stuff, it’s about building the mental and emotional tools to deal with it. It’s also about resilience. Resilience isn’t just about ‘bouncing back’; it’s about moving forward – sometimes crawling forward – with the lessons we’ve learned, becoming stronger and wiser with each challenge we face.
One of the key aspects of resilience is mindset. How we frame our experiences and challenges can make a world of difference. Instead of seeing obstacles as insurmountable, what if we viewed them as opportunities to grow? This shift in perspective can be incredibly empowering. When the voices in our heads start shouting doubts and fears, we can acknowledge them but not let them control us. They’re just trying to help, in their own twisted way. But we have the power to say, “Thanks for the input, but I’ve got this.”
Wellbeing plays a crucial role here too. Taking care of our mental, emotional and physical health gives us the foundation we need to handle life’s challenges. This means prioritising self-care, setting boundaries and making time for activities that bring us joy and peace. It’s about creating a balanced life where we can thrive, not just survive.
So, whatever happens, remember this: you can handle it. Embrace the uncertainty. Recognise that the voices in your head are just a part of the journey. They might get loud and persistent but they don’t have to dictate your path. Reflect on your past triumphs and let them fuel your confidence moving forward. You’ve made it through tough times before and you will again.
As you navigate your own personal and professional journey, keep this mindset close. Build your resilience by facing your fears, embracing challenges and taking care of your wellbeing. It’s not always easy and sometimes it feels downright impossible but remember, you’ve got this. You can handle it.
