Motivation and Uncertainty
How do we stay focused when circumstances and the future are unclear?
I just entered my 8th month of pregnancy and I’ll be honest: I’m tired. In addition to all the normal day-to-day responsibilities of work and life, growing a little human being and all the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy is challenging. (Moms, send me your best tips!)
I’m experiencing a lot of uncertainty: Will the baby arrive early? Will I have my maternity leave plans ready on time? Will we have everything we need for the baby’s arrival? What kind of labor and delivery will I have?
All this wondering affects my motivation and creativity when there are so many lingering questions and I feel so uncertain. A lot of people over the last two years have experienced similar uncertainty. During coaching sessions, clients frequently mention how uncertainty is affecting their work as well.
In fact, according to a recent Harvard Business Review article, the human brain is not built to handle this much uncertainty. So how can we stay motivated in the midst of all this uncertainty? The article’s authors have three suggestions:
Set expectations with realistic optimism
In other words, “Believe that everything is going to work out just fine, while accepting that getting there might not be easy.” This is a concept I’ve certainly struggled with. It’s easy to think of all the uncertainties and imagine worst case scenarios. But realistically, I know my baby will be born and we’ll be fine (even if the process won’t feel great).
The key to being motivated here is a strong sense of self-efficacy.
Lift to bigger-picture thinking
“When we think about the larger meaning or purpose that our actions serve…we’re more inspired and motivated and feel greater boosts to self-esteem and well-being. When we drop down to the nitty-gritty details of what we’re doing or need to do, we’re better at solving concrete problems and anticipating obstacles.”
The key to being motivated here is to focus on why you’re doing what you’re doing. If you can get energized by the big picture why, you’ll be more motivated in the actual work to achieve that vision.
Embrace candor
“Working through so much change and dealing with unexpected setbacks means we need to be constantly and honestly communicating with one another to co-create the right new norms and habits.” As a conscious leader, it’s essential to create psychological safety so your team can be completely honest about what they’re experiencing without fear of being fired or penalized.
The key to being motivation here is knowing you can be honest, and others will be honest with you. That clarity clears away much uncertainty within teams.
Uncertainty will always be part of life and work. And during such a time of significant change, we’re going to become experts at navigating uncertainty. In addition to the tips mentioned here, find what works well for you.
Maybe it’s working with a coach, maybe it’s a hobby that gives you a sense of certainty in at least one area of your life. Start exploring the things that motivate and inspire you despite uncertainty in the broader world. Then think about how you can help your team find their own sense of self-efficacy and motivation as well.
Work happy. Live happy. BE happy.
Meredith
The way we work and build teams is rapidly changing. Leaders often feel unprepared to navigate the transition. As a conscious leadership coach, consultant and communicator, Meredith helps leaders and their teams create new ways of working and relating so they can prepare for the future by consciously co-creating it.
Contact her to develop your conscious leadership and transform your organization into the workplace of the future.
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