I often hear scenarios where someone is inspired to make a wellness change but reverts back to old behaviors and habits when the intended result isn’t quickly realized. The desired changes can include a new eating approach, getting to the gym, meditating, starting a morning practice or being more present throughout the day. The reason why most efforts cease before true change can take root can be linked back to one word – uncertainty.

Whenever we entertain making a change, we know two things: where we are and the desired outcome. What’s unclear is how we get from here to there. In between these two places are waves of uncertainty requiring patience, focus and time to transcend.

For many of us, the thought of riding those waves is distressing. How can we rise above the concern and surf the void with balance, using the energy of the wave for momentum to turn an anxious ride into an exhilarating one?

Here are a few things to try when, as Tom Petty once sang, the waiting feels like the hardest part:

Accept: Take a moment to honestly assess where you are and where you’d like to go. Is your intended path what you truly want or is it something you think you should do? Are you feeling any strong emotions or judgment for where you are at the moment? To counter any negativity, reflect on experiences or inner knowing that have gotten you through before and the lessons learned from those times that are applicable.
Adapt: If the change you want to make is aligned with your values and you feel “all in,” you can use this time to prepare and course correct. Are there pivots that need to be made? Are you on track? Do you need a rest or break to recharge and fully engage?
Expand: For some perspective, you can look beyond the change you’re trying to make and see how your efforts could build towards new territory. For example, if you’re training for your first 10k, you can imagine yourself crossing the finish line of a half marathon. As you visualize yourself as that level of athlete, your current goal and training schedule will feel much more attainable.

We can never be sure when or if we’ll arrive at our planned destination, but we can make sure we make the most of the uncharted territory between here and there.

Journal Reflections: How do you currently handle the uncertainty of not knowing? Does the list of unhealthy reactions outweigh balanced responses? What adjustments can you implement to make the waiting just as good as the attainment?

Waves of Uncertainty