ARE YOU STUCK IN THE CERTAINTY TRAP?

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Happy summer, my friend!

I hope it is as gloriously beautiful where you are as it is here in Seattle,?

and I wish you could join me on my patio where I do most of my work right now.

There’s a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier that I would love to share with you.

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Today, let’s talk about certainty.?

It's one of these things our brains crave more than anything.

Throughout school and our early careers, we are taught to focus on certainty,

ensuring we have all the pieces in place to achieve the results we need.?

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But as we all know, that’s not how life works most of the time,?

especially in the dynamic worlds of auto and tech (and others, of course!)

which are full of complexities, innovations, and responsibilities.?

With so many moving parts, certainty is a luxury we rarely get.

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But our lizard brains don't know that (or wouldn't care anyway),

so they keep telling us we need to be certain that we can achieve our outcomes.

Do you know what that leads to?

Often enough, to not taking action at all.

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It's understandable—our brains want to keep us safe?

by avoiding risks with uncertain outcomes.?

But here’s the kicker:?

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The only guaranteed outcome ever?

is the NO you’re getting when you fail to act.?

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If you don't do anything, you have a 100% chance of not getting what you want.?

Even a tiny chance of success is better than no chance at all,?

wouldn't you agree?

Your brain won't like it, but I hope this argument will help you overrule?

unnecessary mind drama about risks and failure.?

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Granted, it's a little easier for me than it might be for you

because if my family had a crest, it would read:

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Just ask! They can't say more than NO.

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This mindset has helped me avoid the certainty trap.?

Needless to say, I’ve had my fair share of NOs and failures,?

but I learned that it feels better to go for what you want than not even try

because you think your chances aren't good enough.

(Life might prove you wrong there!)

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I promise you that each attempt makes it easier to handle rejections?

because you will know you have given it your best shot –

even if you're not quite there – YET. (Another one of my favorite words!)

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By the way, this concept doesn’t just apply to big, life-changing decisions.?

It’s also relevant for everyday interactions.?

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I recently talked about growth that happens in our comfort zone.?

Sometimes, it’s all about taking small, consistent actions.

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So, as you go through your day, ask yourself:?

Am I avoiding action?

because I crave the certainty that it will work??

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If the answer is Yes, I encourage you to do it anyway.?

There’s always more to gain from an attempt than from inaction!

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I hope this message resonates with you!?

Hit REPLY to let me know what you think,?

and if I can help you overcome your need for certainty and?

take action towards what you truly want, let's chat!

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Love, Micha

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