The Opposite of Uncertainty Isn’t Certainty.
Uncertainty is part of every transition. Whether it’s career changes, new relationships, stepping into leadership, or simply choosing to live in a way that feels more authentic, uncertainty is everywhere.
We are trained as physicians to feel certain when people’s lives are in our hands. We want to make sure that we’re providing excellent medical care with evidence-based outcomes. Uncertainty is not an emotion that we are comfortable with. However, I would argue with you that uncertainty is an excellent clinical skill.
I had a patient come to me and say, “Hey, doc, I’ve got bronchitis. I need an antibiotic.” When I dig into the history, they tell me they’ve had six months of weight loss, night sweats, and a productive cough. I know immediately that it is not bronchitis. I am uncertain about that diagnosis. In fact, my “spidey senses” are tingling, and I know immediately I need to pay attention and change the course of action for this patient.
Uncertainty is an appropriate, humble, critical clinical skill. And yet, when we are faced with critical career decisions, uncertainty can hold us back from taking action. We may get stuck in analysis paralysis or overthinking our next step. If we are waiting for certainty, we may never take that next step. So please know that certainty and competence are retroactive emotions, meaning you must first take action in order to develop the feeling of confidence and certainty.
Here’s how to do that.
Building Self-Trust
Self-trust isn’t something you either have or don’t. It’s built through action and intentional choice.
1. Listen to Your Inner Voice
Many of us spend so much time absorbing external opinions! We seek validation. We weigh everyone’s perspective even when we already know what we want. When we stop outsourcing our decisions, self-trust begins. It builds when we tune into ourselves.
2. Take Action (Even When It’s Scary)
Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s being afraid and moving forward anyway. When our actions align with our values despite uncertainty, we send ourselves a powerful message: I can handle this.
3. Keep Promises to Yourself
When you say, “I’ll go for a 10-minute walk” and follow through, you’re proving to yourself that your word matters. Wins compound. They form the foundation of unshakable trust.
4. Create Safety for Yourself
Trust thrives in safety. What does safety look like for you? Maybe it’s setting boundaries that protect your energy. Maybe it’s giving yourself permission to rest. Maybe it’s speaking to yourself with kindness instead of criticism.
5. Remember Your Community
Self-trust doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. It strengthens when we surround ourselves with people who remind us of our own resilience and capability.
Moving Forward
Trusting yourself isn’t about knowing every outcome. You don’t have a crystal ball or map that guarantees every step will be the right one. It’s about believing that, no matter what happens, you can handle it. It’s about quieting the noise, moving forward, and remembering that you are your own safe place.
There’s no need to be afraid of uncertainty. It is a compass toward further investigation—asking yourself: Do I need more information? Do I need more help or support? Do I need to slow down and focus?
Uncertainty is a compass for what you need to do next.
And this is how you build self-trust.
