05 Aug Feeling Anxious? This Thought Helped Me.
by Kalika Yap
During my 10,000-step walks, I often listen to podcasts. Recently, while listening to What Now? with Trevor Noah, I heard something Esther Perel said that’s stayed with me.
Dealing with uncertainty helps you deal with anxiety.
— Esther Perel
As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves working through the unknown.
Even when we’ve done it before, it doesn’t always feel easier. The not knowing can bring up worry, doubt, and pressure.
What I’ve learned—and what this conversation reminded me—is that we don’t need to force a fix.
We don’t need to overwork our way through the fog.
Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is meet uncertainty with presence and care.
Here’s something simple to try the next time things feel unclear.
What Esther Shared with Trevor — Insights for Entrepreneurs
Friction helps us grow
Friction is what makes you have to experiment, deal with the unexpected…
When things feel challenging, that’s often where the real growth happens.
You don’t have to collapse when things feel unknown
When you become more adept at dealing with the unknown… you develop a sense of confidence.
Each moment you hold uncertainty without panic, you’re building your capacity to lead calmly.
You can pause without having the answer
Having all the answers in the palm of your hand… is making us more anxious.
We’ve gotten used to solving everything instantly. But real peace often comes from allowing space.
A Way to Work With the Unknown
Here’s a practice you can return to when you’re feeling pulled by worry or urgency.
Step-by-Step: When You Don’t Have All the Answers
- Begin With What You Know Is True
Pause. Name three things that feel real to you right now.
“I care about what I’m building.”
“I’m still showing up.”
“I can choose one small thing today.”
- Name What You’re Unsure About
Write it out without trying to solve it.
“I don’t know what the outcome will be.”
“I’m unsure what the response will look like.”
- Ask: What Can I Do Right Now?
Even if the full plan isn’t clear, there’s always one thing you can do today. A message, a break, a decision. Small is fine.
- Check In With How You’re Speaking to Yourself
Would you speak this way to someone you love? If not, shift the tone. Let your words be more caring.
- Let Uncertainty Be Part of the Process
Not knowing doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It just means things are still unfolding—and that’s okay.
I’m here for you!
If you’re navigating change or choices that feel heavy, I’d be glad to talk. Having someone hold space with you can make a big difference.
You can book a free discovery call here:
https://calendly.com/Kalika
RECOMMENDED WORKSHEET
Returning to Yourself in Uncertainty
Use this check-in when your thoughts feel crowded or the path isn’t clear yet.
RECOMMENDED GAME
Where Should We Begin? by Esther Perel
A quiet, cooperative card game that challenges you to sync with others—without speaking—reminding us how presence and trust can guide us through the unknown.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
The Wisdom of Anxiety by Sheryl Paul
An insightful guide to viewing anxiety not as a problem to fix, but as a doorway to deeper self-awareness.
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
A compassionate invitation to meet life’s uncertainty with presence, rather than resistance.
Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
A practical and heartfelt approach to treating yourself with the same care you’d offer a friend—especially in times of doubt.
RECOMMENDED PODCAST
Overcoming Your Inner Earthquake
with Jenny Calcoen
When life feels uncertain, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you’re not broken. Jenny Calcoen shares how mindfulness, presence, and self-trust can guide you through life’s inner tremors—echoing the same grounded resilience this article encourages.
