Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  September 18, 2025

Simple Strategies to Navigate Uncertainty in Business

I recently found myself in my least favorite place: limbo.

Here’s what happened: I had a critical problem that needed to be solved. My major source of help refused to step in. I was on my own, having to navigate uncertainty in a process I knew nothing about—and time was running out. It was awful.

That experience reminded me how often we must navigate uncertainty while running a business in unpredictable market conditions. Assuming I’m not alone, here’s what helped me—and might help you too:

• Stick to the facts. I have a bad habit of speculating about every possible scenario and drafting detailed responses. A little of that helps me figure out options and plan a course of action. Too much, though, and I spiral into silly stories about worst-case outcomes that never happen. That made the limbo time much worse than necessary.

• Find healthy distractions. There were moments when nothing could be done, and I just had to wait for the situation to play out. Instead of obsessing over “what ifs” (see above), I distracted myself with something that required full attention: work, hobbies, anything. By the time progress showed up, I was refreshed and ready for the next step.

As usual, the problem resolved one step at a time, and life moved on. (As my mother always said, “Things have a habit of working out.”) But these lessons will help me the next time I must navigate uncertainty in complex situations—and maybe avoid dreaded limbo altogether.

Now Read This:

• What to Do If You Feel Lost
• Strategic Sounding Boards Give Real-World Advice for When the Rubber Meets the Road