In my research on disruption Vanderbilt University—how to turn life’s unexpected twists into powerful fuel for growth—one thing stands out: the ability to carry uncertainty is essential.

Disruption doesn’t just knock you off course; it fills your path with unknowns, questions, and moments of discomfort.

The truth is that your ability to shoulder the weight of uncertainty directly impacts how well you can transform those disruptions into meaningful outcomes. Why?

Because when ambiguity strikes, your natural instinct is often to grab onto something familiar—a relationship, a routine, a task that feels safe. And while that might feel comforting in the moment, it often drains the energy and focus you need to navigate the disruption effectively. It’s like someone flailing in the ocean, fighting against the waves instead of conserving energy and working with the current.

The most successful individuals and teams aren’t those who avoid uncertainty; they’re the ones who learn to hold it, even embrace it.

They don’t waste their bandwidth clinging to what’s comfortable—they invest it in moving forward, learning, adapting, and growing.