Where Do You Go When You Don't Know?: Create a Clarity Practice for Uncertain Times
Lucia Brizzi
Empowering networks of connected leaders with Success Circles. Owner of Next Level / Leadership. Coach, trainer, speaker, writer.
In times of profound uncertainty—whether it's the looming presidential election in North America or the deeply personal crossroads my clients are facing—one question keeps surfacing: Where do you go when you don't know?
We're living in an era of unprecedented choice. While this abundance of options is a privilege, it can also be paralyzing. Many of us find ourselves in a constant state of internal negotiation, desperately wanting to fast-forward to clarity, to action, to moving forward.
What makes this journey even more complex is that everyone around us processes change at different speeds. Some sprint toward decisions while others need time to contemplate. This misalignment of paces can feel excruciating when we're seeking answers.
Finding Your Space of Uncertainty
So where do you go when you don't know? Do you retreat to your journal? Mount your spin bike? Sink into rage? Spiral into frustration? Disappear into overwhelm? Or perhaps you find yourself numbing out?
Here's my invitation: Create an intentional space for not knowing. This space can be literal or metaphorical—a meditation cushion, a worn journal, or a familiar running trail. The key is to establish a practice that you can return to consistently.
The Power of Active Not-Knowing
Here's what's fascinating about uncertainty: our subconscious doesn't understand "no" or "don't." Telling ourselves to not act, not speak, not share, or not move creates internal resistance. Instead of fighting against uncertainty, we need to actively engage with it.
The most effective approach is to integrate this practice into something you're already doing. If you have a regular movement practice, consciously declare: "This is where I will breathe into all the feelings that arise as I run, as I spin, as I kickbox." Allow yourself to:
The Three Essential Elements
The path through uncertainty requires three key components:
Once you've acknowledged where you are, permit yourself to envision optimal outcomes. Don't shy away from hope. Don't resist vision. These apparent "luxuries" actually provide crucial intelligence about your desired direction and the emotional state you're seeking to achieve.
A Personal Note on Not Knowing
Currently, I'm navigating uncertainty in the most intimate area of my life. The process has been illuminating—moving through stages of denial and negotiation before finally arriving at a place of trust and hope. It's been humbling to realize that no matter how experienced you are in leadership development, life will continue to challenge you, and you will continue to respond as a human being.
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Your Invitation to Practice
The question isn't how to avoid uncertainty—it's how to create a humble, integrated practice that acknowledges both your humanity and life's inherent unpredictability. Your practice should be:
Where do you go when you don't know? Make this question part of your daily practice. Build your relationship with uncertainty until it becomes not just manageable but a trusted part of your leadership journey.
Share in the comments: Where do you go when you don't know?
Make Space with NLL?
Finding clarity requires space—both internal and external. Here's how I support leaders in creating that space:
?? Daily Journaling Practice: Next Level Reflection . Transform your relationship with uncertainty through 30 days of customized prompts and reflection techniques that fit into your busy schedule. Your journal becomes your anchor in times of change.?
?? 1:1 Connected Leadership Coaching : Navigate your specific challenges with personalized support. Together, we'll build practices that help you lead with confidence even when the path isn't clear.
?? Women's Leadership Retreat: Wintering . Join an intimate group of fellow leaders for deep reflection, powerful connection, and renewed clarity Jan. 17-19th in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Limited spots available.
Ready to create your own clarity practice? Let's connect: www.luciabrizzi.as.me/discovery
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