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I remember when I first arrived at university—fresh-faced, full of hope, and sure that I had everything figured out. It felt like life was as predictable as my daily lecture schedule.
But university quickly teaches you that nothing is ever truly certain, whether it's your grades, your social life, or what you'll be doing post-graduation. Take, for example, the time I lost my internship just as I was gearing up to solidify my career path. I had invested all my emotional energy into that one opportunity, and when it vanished, I was left floundering.
That experience taught me something important: uncertainty is inevitable. But just because we can’t always predict what’s next doesn’t mean we can’t prepare ourselves emotionally to handle it. So, here are five ways to manage uncertainty—especially while navigating university life:
1. Consider the Possibility
Let’s be real: nothing in university is set in stone. That dream internship? It might not work out. Your group of friends? They might change, drift apart, or even disappear. And that’s okay. The first step to managing uncertainty is acknowledging its existence. Just like your academic plans evolve over time, so do your emotional connections.
It’s easy to get caught up in what should happen, but university is full of twists and turns. Whether you’re trying to land your dream job or hoping to ace a tough class, remember: there’s always a possibility that things won’t go as planned, but that’s what makes life exciting. You’re on the cusp of endless possibilities!
2. The Best Is Yet to Come
It’s natural to focus on what could go wrong—we all do it. But here’s the thing: constantly expecting the worst can set you up for failure. There’s something called "cognitive behavioral therapy" that teaches us that we tend to overestimate the risks and negative outcomes in any given situation. The result? More anxiety, and less faith in ourselves.
Instead, why not focus on the best possible outcome? Imagine yourself nailing that big presentation or making new friends at the next club meeting. When you focus on the positives, not only does your mind clear, but your chances of success improve. You make better decisions when you aren’t clouded by fear.
3. Think About It: You've Done It Before
Uncertainty isn’t a new concept. Think about your journey to university—remember how unsure you were about whether you’d fit in, if you’d find your people, or if you’d manage to stay on top of your work? But you made it this far. You’ve faced uncertainty before and come out the other side.
When you’re in the thick of worry, write down your thoughts. Make a list of challenges you’ve faced before and how you dealt with them. Trust me, seeing your resilience on paper can be a game-changer.
4. Don’t Avoid: Just Keep Moving
It’s easy to freeze when faced with uncertainty. Whether it’s a difficult class, a shaky relationship, or a future career that seems unclear, the fear of making the wrong move can leave you stuck. But doing nothing isn’t the answer.
Embrace the energy that uncertainty brings—it’s part of what keeps you moving forward. Keep working on your goals, even if you don’t have all the answers. Action leads to growth, and moving forward—even imperfectly—beats standing still every time.
5. Don’t Hold On Too Tightly
The final tip? Let go. Seriously. The reality is, you can’t control everything, and the more you try, the more you’ll struggle. Think of it like holding onto a rope that’s pulling you in different directions—the tighter you grip, the more it burns.
This is where the HAPHE philosophy comes in. HAPHE is all about balanced connections—recognizing that with every "happy" outcome, there’s the potential for a "sad" one too. But that’s okay. When we acknowledge this, we adjust our expectations, and we reduce the risk of trauma or anxiety when things don’t go our way.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, especially during university, it’s important to remember that uncertainty is just part of the process. You’re allowed to feel unsure—about your friendships, your career path, even your future. What’s important is how you handle that uncertainty. Balance your emotional investments, focus on the good, and know that you’ve already made it through so much. Keep moving forward, and remember that growth often happens in the moments when life is most unpredictable.
So, take a deep breath, acknowledge the uncertainties, and remind yourself—you’ve got this!
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