We all crave certainty. We like having the answers and the feeling of being in control and on top of our game that comes with it. It’s empowering. But what if true success doesn’t come from always knowing everything, but from how well we handle the things we don’t know? The ability to embrace uncertainty, to admit that we don’t have all the answers, and to find the right answers can lead us to better decisions and open unexpected opportunities. It builds resiliency and expertise.
Let’s be honest: uncertainty is unsettling and admitting we don’t know everything is uncomfortable. It makes us feel vulnerable. But that vulnerability is where the magic happens. In both our personal and professional lives, recognizing that we might not know the best way forward gives us permission to slow down, ask better questions, and consider new possibilities we might not have seen otherwise.
Think about our personal life for a moment. How often have we rushed into a decision because we felt certain we knew the right answer, only to realize later that we missed something? For example, consider relationships, which are often full of assumptions about how things should be. But when we embrace the idea that we might not have all the answers, it changes everything. We become better listeners, more open to learning, and more thoughtful in our responses. In that space of not knowing, we create room for deeper connections and personal growth.
The same principle applies in the workplace. The most successful leaders and innovators aren’t the ones who pretend to have it all figured out, they’re the ones who aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something and ask questions. They are not afraid to be curious. In fast-paced industries, especially in technology, being stuck in what you think you know holds you back. Real breakthroughs happen when people are willing to explore the unknown, ask for input, and consider new ideas. This openness not only leads to creative problem-solving but also fosters collaboration. Teams work better when everyone feels comfortable contributing, knowing their input matters. Leaders who embrace uncertainty create stronger, more cohesive teams. When you’re not afraid to say, “I don’t know” it invites others to share their insights and helps build trust. It creates a culture where curiosity and collaboration thrive. People feel empowered to speak up and explore new ways of thinking, which ultimately leads to better results.
At the end of the day, it’s how we approach the unknowns that is the most important. When we’re willing to embrace what we don’t know whether in our personal lives or our careers—we open ourselves up to growth, innovation, and better outcomes. Sometimes, the best decisions come from sitting with uncertainty long enough to discover something new and unexpected.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the certainty of what you know, maybe it’s time to lean into the unknown. Think about the possibilities that could open if you permitted yourself to not have all the answers. “I don’t know” may be the three most powerful words you can say!
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” — Socrates
Have a story where embracing uncertainty led to something unexpected? I’d love to hear it. Share your thoughts in the comments or pass this along to someone who could use a little reminder that not knowing can be a powerful place to start.
Have an uncertain weekend.
-Vijay