Managing uncertainty: What to do when you don't know what's next

Some of the most difficult situations to face in life are times of uncertainty. Believe it or not, most of us are better able to cope and prepare when we know something bad is going to happen versus when we’re not sure what to expect. Uncertainty can cause your brain to spiral out of control with worst-case scenarios.

In this episode, I’ll shed some light on how to handle your biological and psychological stress responses, including ways to prepare for that worst-case scenario, and things you must do to maintain balance when you don’t know what’s next.

Show highlights include:

  • The biological reason worry is worse for you than what you’re worried about (3:01)
  • Understanding this psychological truth about your response to threats will get you through any situation (3:52)
  • How your brain reacts to uncertainty and how use this to your advantage (4:43)
  • These 2 important steps will bring you back to balance in times of stress (7:45)
  • A step-by-step process to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario (10:43)
  • The secret to making good decisions when faced with uncertainty (12:24)
  • This is one of the most important things to get right when you’re stressed (12:39)
  • The simple but magical ways to knock out mental clutter so you can think clearly (15:18)

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https://cherylanneskolnicki.com

Find out more about Brilliant Balance Breakthrough:

https://cherylanneskolnicki.com/brilliant-balance/

Om Podcasten

You deserve a big, full life and the freedom to enjoy it. The Brilliant Balance Podcast helps women in leadership design their next chapter for sustainable success—without burnout. Every week, host Cherylanne Skolnicki, a leading expert in work-life balance, leadership growth, and mindset coaching, shares ideas, inspiration, and insights to help high-achieving women align their ambition with personal fulfillment. Through conversations on leadership mindset, time management, and personal growth, you'll gain the tools to thrive in both your career and personal life. Whether you're considering a career pivot or craving more time for your personal life, you might find yourself asking: How do I advance my career—without working 24/7? Can I achieve my goals while still having time for my family? How do I stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control? What’s next for me—and how do I design it intentionally? If you’ve ever wondered how to fulfill your potential without breaking your life, this podcast is for you. In addition to sharing her own insights, Cherylanne sits down with experts, thought leaders, and ambitious women who reveal their strategies for burnout recovery, productivity for women, and redefining success on their terms. You’ll love the Brilliant Balance Podcast if you like podcasts like: Unlocking Us or Dare to Lead with Brene Brown, Women at Work by Harvard Business Review, The Midlife with Reshma Saujani, We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, The Mel Robbins Podcast, HerMoney with Jean Chatzky, So Money with Farnoosh Torabi