Thriving in Uncertainty: 8 Research-Backed Strategies for Stability
Having constant access to global news means we’re bombarded with reminders of instability—economic shifts, political uncertainty, potential trade wars, and more. It’s easy to feel lost or anxious.
These emotions limit our ability to think and act in creative ways during the time we need that capacity the most. But the key to managing uncertainty is anchoring—creating stability so that, no matter how rough the waters, you don’t feel like you’re floating away.
In coaching executives, I see this uncertainty playing out in real time for many leaders and organizations. One physician leader I work with oversees researchers whose funding could be at risk depending on decisions made by the current administration. While no funding has been pulled yet, the uncertainty is creating anxiety. The challenge is keeping these researchers anchored so they can stay focused on their vital work rather than being paralyzed by what might happen.
Another executive shared how their company thrived during COVID-19 due to a superior supply chain, outperforming competitors. But now that supply chain constraints have eased, deeper structural issues have surfaced. The leadership team must guide the company toward a future that requires new ways of succeeding. In times of uncertainty, people tend to protect themselves, which can actually worsen the challenges. If they aren’t anchored, they’ll struggle to build the trust and creativity needed to navigate what’s next.
Here are eight ways you can create anchors for yourself and those you support.
1. Identify What’s NOT Changing
Uncertainty often blinds us to what remains stable. Take time to list everything in your life that isn’t changing—your relationships, routines, values, or even small daily habits. Will your dog still greet you at the door? Will your parents still invite you for dinner on Sundays? Will you still drink coffee in the morning? Writing these down provides a sense of steadiness.
2. Clarify Purpose and Values
What contribution do you want to make to the world? What strengths energize you? What challenges have shaped your ability to help others? When everything around you shifts, anchoring to your purpose and core values provides direction. Purpose doesn’t disappear in uncertainty—it becomes more essential.
3. Connect to Your Best Self
Uncertainty and change can cause us to question ourselves. The Center for Positive Organizations created a unique assessment tool that helps you collect examples of when others have seen you at your best from 20-30 people across every part of your life. Even if you do a mini version of the exercise on your own, being reminded of the ways you bring value to the world will enhance your confidence and help you keep moving forward in uncertainty.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
Uncertainty feels overwhelming when we fixate on the unknown. Liz Fosslien (in MIT Sloan Mngt Review) writes to shift attention to what’s within your influence—daily routines, micro-goals, or even how you frame challenges. Research at Standford (by Lopez-Sola et al., 2021) highlights that identifying even small actions restores a sense of agency.
5. Build Cognitive Flexibility
Resilience isn’t just about endurance—it’s about adaptability. Harvard’s Dr. Luana Marques’ research shows that our brains filter uncertainty and prevent us from jumping to conclusions. Practicing mindfulness, journaling, and reframing uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a threat helps strengthen this skill.
6. Strengthen Your Support System
Uncertainty is easier to navigate when you don’t do it alone. Studies on high-quality connections (by my wonderful colleague, Jane Dutton, University of Michigan) show that even small positive interactions boost resilience and well-being. And helping others can redirect focus away from worry. Who can you reach out to today?
7. Communicate Transparently
When people lack information, they fill in the gaps with worst-case scenarios. Leaders, acknowledge uncertainty while sharing what you do know. Transparency builds trust and reduces anxiety—even when answers aren’t yet clear.
8. Reward Thoughtful Decision-Making (Not Just Outcomes)
In uncertain environments, organizations often reward results rather than the process. But Maurice Schweitzer (Wharton) shows that encouraging well-reasoned decisions, even when outcomes are unpredictable, fosters adaptability. Recognizing effort, not just success, helps teams navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Uncertainty isn’t going away—but our ability to anchor ourselves and others can make all the difference. Once you are secure, you can ride the waves and become more flexible in learning your way through uncertainty and change.
