More Answers... (8/10/25 Newsletter): Uncertainty vs Stability (there's a difference)

Hi Everyone,

Here's the blog version of the Sunday Evening "More Answers..." to get a friendly boost to setup your work week! 

Remember to sign up for the newsletter for bonus material!! (https://www.askchrista.com/newsletter/) 

The Re-Defining of Uncertainty

There was a time when being "uncertain" was a state of mind, not an emotion. But today, right now, as you read this, what do you think of when you read the word "uncertain?"

Anxiety?   Chaos?   Disruption?   Fear?   Insecurity?   Loss?   Doubt?

Or maybe you thought of a scenario in your head, or a recent discussion-- all of which feels and looks unstable then limits your ability to predict (at least with some level of confidence) what might happen next.

A recent paper by Kienzler et al. (2024) notes how the second half of the 19th century was described as a "golden age of stability and predictability," yet at this time we are nearly in the opposite space, with feelings of uncertainty so pronounced that 'uncertainty' alone is affecting people's mental health; specifically, as noted in the paper, "depression, anxiety, and psychological distress."

But that's not what "uncertainty" always meant.

The Definition of Uncertainty... 

According to the Cambridge dictionary, uncertainty means, "a situation in which something is not known...," and, "the feeling of not being sure what will happen in the future," (Uncertainty, 2025). 

Of the two definitions, the former is the one that focuses on not having enough of or the right information, and most are OK with that in the day to day moments of life so long as the rest of their lives feel somewhat stable. After all, if things feel stable, it means you can typically predict how things will go to a certain, even if it's not all good, and as the saying goes, there is comfort in knowing, no matter the circumstances. 

The Yucky Feelings Are Really About Predictability...

But, here's the kicker: not all uncertainty is bad or feels bad. The slow build of the rollercoaster, if that's your thing, is thrilling because of the uncertainty. Or the page-turning book that keeps you page-turning; it does so because of the uncertainty creating discomfort that then pushes you to feel more urgent about knowing what happens next.

It's the latter definition of uncertainty-- not being sure what will happen in the future-- that affects us the most these days, and it likely stems from a lack of feeling stable (vs a lack of certainty). 

In other words, it's not the uncertainty that leads to feelings of depression, anxiety, and distress; it's the lack of stability to the extent that very few can predict what the day to day will look or feel like.

And that is very disruptive and distressful. 

Shifting Toward Stability... 

To tamper down the effects that an unpredictable world may have on our feelings of stability, I want you to split hairs when it comes to the words you use:

1. You are probably better with uncertainty that you think, so remember the definition you resonate the most with and start giving yourself credit for how well you actually DO manage uncertainty.

2. Live in the context of your life before you get distracted by, or assume responsibility for, the world. Put your attention toward what feels stable in your life-- that which is true and consistent, feels like it's always there and can be relied on. Do this internally and externally: your character, your goodness, your beliefs, why you smile, why you get frustrated (yes-- all consistent parts of your character-- consistent parts are stable parts)... friends, family or those who feel like family, a book or media that brings you joy or enrichment (or both), an outdoor space that ALWAYS brings you peace, even a coffee shop down the street or the sights you see during a morning walk. 

3. Resist the urge to let the world overtake your perspective; that is, in part, how we lose our sense of stability (which in truest form, is what we know to be true and consistent). You likely have more stability internally and externally than it feels.

BOOSTER FOR YOUR WEEK!!!  

Dealing with Unpredictable Times...

In the More Answers... newsletter, I offer another TEDx talk to offer additional perspectives and tools and resources about uncertainty, advance and elevate some of the points I'm making here, this time from Caspar Berry, who focuses primarily on becoming comfortable with risks so as to promote better decision making. 

His background is winding and varied, but in all of his roles, there are elements of connecting with others (even at the poker table), taking calculated risks, making changes, and talking to others about what has worked for him. He does his homework to learn about various topics through reading others' research also.

This video is hosted by TEDxAcademy from seven years ago-- and it's amazing how timely it still is. 

(and remember, if you have a business challenge or workplace issue... Ask Christa! 

REFERENCES

Kienzler, H., Massazza, A., Kuykendall, R., Tamimi, N., Hammoudeh, W., & Giacaman, R. (2024). Uncertainty and Mental Health: A Qualitative Scoping review. SSM - Qualitative Research in Health, 100521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmqr.2024.100521

uncertainty. (2025). https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/uncer...

See you next week!!!

With kindness,
Christa

(Helpful? Interesting? Please forward and ask others to subscribe! https://www.askchrista.com/newsletter/)