We all hit moments of uncertainty. Moments when we go, “Am I making the right decision?” “Is this going to do what I want it to?” “Am I doing enough?” “Should I be doing something else instead?” And then the spiral just keeps going. Suddenly, you’re questioning every decision you’ve ever made and every option that’s still ahead of you.
You start grasping at everything — anything, hoping that it will be the thing that will catch you. But the only thing that will actually help you face this uncertainty is confidence. Confidence in your decisions. Confidence that it will all work out. Confidence that you’re not actually falling — you're leaping to the next thing.
Confidence in Your Values
Uncertainty tests your values more than your strategy. When you’re hitting these stress points, less-than-ideal behavior can surface. We sometimes revert to a less mature and composed version of ourselves — stressed about budgets, deadlines, or optics.
In these moments, you have to consciously place humanity first. Remind yourself of your values, and don’t let your fears overpower them. You don’t have to sacrifice your values to reach other achievements. And deep down you know that; that’s why you have these values in the first place. Values aren't tested when leadership is easy; they're tested when it costs something.
Confidence in Your Support System
Leadership doesn't mean absorbing everyone else's pain without support. Sustainable leadership requires shared responsibility, honest capacity, and permission not to have all the answers. Your support system is there to help you when you need them. They want to help you when you need someone to lean on or to bounce off of.
This is not about getting it perfect. It's about staying human while you lead and asking for help when (or before!) you need it.
Confidence That It Will All Be There Tomorrow
Burnout often comes from unchanged demands in changed conditions. It's why burnout levels accelerate during crises... especially when leaders pretend it's business as usual. You may be tempted to ignore the realities and carry on with "business as usual" in order to maintain a sense of normalcy (or because you simply don't know what to say or do). But a simple acknowledgement can go a long way. "A lot is happening right now, and it's okay if that's affecting focus or energy" can create a sense of relief for all.
Taking the break that you need won’t make it all slip away. It will still be there tomorrow. And you’ll be better equipped to tackle it.
Leap Anyway
Uncertainty isn't going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you need to bring your leadership into question. You may not know exactly where you'll land, but your confidence in your leadership is what keeps your footing intact. So the next time you catch yourself asking, "Am I doing enough?", pause, remember what you value, talk to someone you trust, and take the break.
Want more tips for leading with steadiness when the ground feels shaky? Join me in The Gray Matter, my newsletter, for practical strategies you can use the next time uncertainty hits.
