Uncertainty’s a strange thing when you think about it.

You’re in a state where you don’t know what’s going to happen, and the only thing you seem to know is that you can’t control the outcome. Initially, worry and fear about the future cloud the mind. But, it doesn’t have to be like that.  

Go back to a time in your life when you had to deal with uncertainty.

Maybe you just got fired or quit your job. Maybe you tried out for a team or just left a team. Or maybe you’re uncertain about your final grade in a class. Now, do you remember what happened when you finally got that next job? When you found out if you made that team? Or when you eventually saw your final grades posted? I bet most of the time, you came out of the experience better because you persevered through the uncertainty.

Personally, I believe there are only two ways to approach uncertainty in our lives.

1. The first (which I think is the way better approach) is to view uncertainty as our greatest opportunity to improve and achieve our goals.

2. The second, less optimistic way sees uncertainty as a burden or setback.

“Okay, Brandt, fine. I’d love to embrace uncertainty, but how do I embrace it if I can’t control it?”

That’s a great question! I’m glad you asked. Here are a couple tips on how I have shifted my approach and focus on uncertainty to use it as an avenue for growth:

1. Take it for what it is. Uncertainty’s just a bridge connecting us to the certain future. Therefore, no matter what we face in life, we can trust that this situation will only lead to us being certain about the next step… as long as we remain patient and trust the process.

2. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I know you have seen this quote before. And if you haven’t, well, you’re welcome. If we’re always in comfortable situations, we have no room for growth. It’s only when we’re in situations of uncertainty that we can truly discover more opportunities to grow and improve as people, players, coaches, parents, you name it.

3. Practicing your trust. I feel like the word ‘trust’ is thrown around so often, but rarely do we think about what it actually means. To trust something is to have 100% belief in it. Think about that. You say you ‘trust yourself,’ but do you really have 100% belief in yourself? Or are you just saying it to say it? Without moments of uncertainty, we can never really test the trust we have in ourselves and others! And, at the end of the day, you need to be able to trust yourself before you can genuinely trust others.

I used to hate moments of uncertainty. Mainly because I like to have control of everything. When I didn’t have control, I felt those feelings of anxiety and stress I mentioned earlier. It wasn’t until I started to embrace the uncertainty in my life that I learned to grow and improve as a person and a player. Uncertain moments and circumstances are there for us to let go of control. They’re there to allow us to practice the trust and faith we have in ourselves and in others.

Next time you encounter uncertainty, take it for what it is, be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and practice trusting and believing in yourself!

I believe in you… Keep Grinding!!

Brandt Bronico
Charlotte FC #13
#BloggingBronicosBrain

Soccer Resilience®: Our mission and skill is to train the most underutilized competitive edge in soccer, the MIND, transforming the mindset, performance and wellbeing of athletes, coaches and parents. We help the “software” (mental) bring the best out of the “hardware” (technical, tactical, physical). Our founders include a World Cup Champion, a MLS Cup Champion, a 20-year Psychologist and former NCAA Division I Coach/Pro Team President. We are mindset coaches, mental game advisors and content providers for tools and strategies for all levels, youth to pro, including organizations such as NWSL Players Association and SOCCER.COM. Train your brain. Transform your game… and life.