3 tips for navigating the unknown
Why is it that when you embark on something new or step into an unknown situation that you feel overwhelmed and lack confidence with taking action?
It’s largely to do with your mental map not matching the ground i.e. your past experiences and mental constructs about life can’t be relied upon in this unknown situation you face.
Your brain is wired to control and will come up with many scenarios to protect you from the uncertainty and many of them will be negative. When there is an overuse of planning and control in your life, it will become your default pathway and will work against you in navigating the unknown.
You’ll need to use your mental instrument of navigation in new ways to help guide you through the unknown. What actions can you take to easily navigate the unknown?
Let go of control and adapt to the situation. Allow for the natural flow of life and for things to unravel before you rather than the need to plan. Often when you give a situation more time, more information will reveal itself that provides you with the knowledge for your next steps. Also, you can see a situation more clearly in hindsight so it’s important to trust that there is a reason for the uncertainty, find your inner confidence to step forward and know greater understanding will come to you later down the track.
Go around your fears. I’ve previously written a blog on fear and you can go here to view it. The essential point when navigating the unknown is uncertainty and as a result fear will definitely show up and try to hijack the show. You need to understand that it is a protection mechanism and literally imagine in your mind’s eye going around the fear. Once you become more aware of when fear shows up and practicing this technique of accepting it and going around it, you will notice fear doesn’t turn up so much.
The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Nelson Mandela
Action is always better than inaction. Sometimes you can find yourself freezing or procrastinating when you are in unchartered territories due to not knowing what’s coming next but not taking action is not the right thing to do. It is much better to take an action then review how it went and then decide on your next action. Once you step through one door, the next door will reveal itself and the path becomes easier.
Just like when you were a child and learning to walk, it’s ok to take your time as you learn the new environment. Take one step at a time.
Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King Jr
If you want to have a roadmap for your life that helps you when navigating the unknown, go here to find out more.
More tips for you in this short video.
Here’s to living your best life!
Melissa Taylor
Future Transcendence Leadership Mentor
Author of A Practical Guide to Finding Your Soul Purpose.
