Aims > goals: How to trust your own word in times of uncertainty

Aims > goals: How to trust your own word in times of uncertainty

The greeks believed that everything originated from chaos. If anything, that uncertainty sounds like a creative principle to me. We typically associate uncertainty with negative emotions, stress, and anxiety. Naturally, our brains are always trying to protect us from it – a primal impulse to stay alive. What if I told you that the very thing we all try to avoid is one of the biggest factors that triggers neuroplasticty*?

Outcome-focused: The natural response to an unclear future is rigidity. When things feel out of our control, we turn to strict systems, new routines, new Notion templates, a new productivity course/book, a new notebook. Any sort of productivity porn that will make us feel some sense of control. Unfortunately, all these new gadgets and airport books are just an illusion of control. This is how society responds to chaos and uncertainty: rigid systems.

Output-focused: The system update that sees uncertainty as a window of opportunity. A more mindful approach to uncertainty is evaluating how you can focus on your output. This means using your energy and resources to understand which actions will move you in the right direction. Which small actions can I start today that are on the path of my long-term aspirations? Viewing chaos as a window of opportunity makes you reflect on actions you can take every day, instead of obsessing over ambitious outcomes that look good on your new roadmap/to-do list. When we are so obsessed with the finish line, we completely forget about the journey. The idea is to focus on the aim, and then the journey becomes the goal.

Self-efficacy is believing in your own capacity to act in the necessary ways to reach your goals. Cultivating it is the biggest antidote to handle uncertainty in a healthy way. This skill is crucial if we want to ditch the "endless to-do list" approach and start focusing on recurring actions instead. Understanding that the source to fight uncertainty is not a book, a course, or a template, but within ourselves is key. We need to tap into our own resources and trust our instincts.

How I Became A Founder: Omneky’s Hikari Senju

In technology, you always have to be innovating, and I loved the constant change, independence, and camaraderie, the feeling of being at the forefront of societal change. I studied computer science and regularly attended the events organized by Peter, where I met like-minded students. They would become core to the network of founders I am connected with to this day.

I was incredibly lucky to receive my first investment days after leaving Yup from Village Global. They incubated my company for the first six months, hosting weekly dinners with other portfolio companies where we discussed challenges and shared learnings. It does take a community to build a successful company, and Village Global was critical in getting Omneky off the ground.

One big obstacle to founders starting companies is financial. It is challenging to start a company if you need the consistent income of a job (due to debt, providing for others in your family, etc.). So increasing the access to capital so more people can take the risk of starting a company is vital. My favorite quote is, “Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits” by Thomas Edison.

Combining the two narratives, we can see that uncertainty plays a significant role in both personal and professional growth. Embracing chaos and seeing it as an opportunity to learn and adapt can lead to great outcomes. Whether it's trusting our instincts to navigate through uncertain times or taking the risk of starting a company, the ability to believe in oneself is crucial.

To effectively handle uncertainty, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace uncertainty: Instead of avoiding uncertainty, welcome it as a chance for growth and personal development. See it as a creative principle rather than something to fear. This shift in mindset can lead to new opportunities and breakthroughs.

2. Focus on output: Instead of fixating on rigid systems and outcomes, concentrate on the small actions you can take every day that align with your long-term aspirations. By focusing on the journey and the aim, you can make progress and adapt along the way.

3. Cultivate self-efficacy: Believe in your own capacity to act in the necessary ways to reach your goals. Tap into your own resources, trust your instincts, and understand that the source to fight uncertainty is within yourself. Cultivating self-efficacy will empower you to handle uncertainty in a healthy and productive manner.

In conclusion, uncertainty can be a powerful catalyst for growth and change. By shifting our mindset, focusing on output, and cultivating self-efficacy, we can navigate through uncertain times with confidence and trust in our own abilities. Embrace the chaos, trust your instincts, and see uncertainty as an opportunity for personal and professional development.