Why Embracing Uncertainty Leads to Clarity
A decision is not a choice. If you’re weighing two options—like whether to quit or stay in a job—and one clearly stands out after thinking it through logically, then there’s no real decision to make.
We choose when we know, but we decide when we don’t have enough information for it to be a straightforward choice. Deciding means stepping into the unknown and having the courage to commit anyway.
Often, when we struggle to decide, it’s because we’re waiting to be certain.
Descartes tells us to “make a decision and stick to it.” In other words, a decision isn’t about reaching the ‘right’ answer through logic; it’s about compensating for the lack of certainty by fully engaging with the unknown.
It’s about moving beyond the limits of reasoning and trusting in your own freedom to act.
Why does this matter?
We often get paralyzed by inaction, thinking we need to know whether a decision is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ before we make it. But recognizing that decisions are inherently uncertain is freeing. It shifts the focus—no decision is good or bad until we commit to it. The unknown only becomes clear through our actions, realizations, and insights, which can only unfold once we take that first step. In other words, it’s the act of deciding that creates meaning, not the choice itself.The most significant decisions in life aren’t based on clear choices but on embracing uncertainty. We have to stop fearing the unknown and start welcoming it if we want to make decisions with confidence.
What really matters isn’t the decision itself, but the fact that it propels you into action, into life, into connection with others—and that, in turn, relieves the anxiety of indecision.
From a neuroscientific perspective, this makes perfect sense. When you commit to a decision, the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s decision-making hub—shifts how the rest of your brain interprets the world. It influences how you see, hear, and experience everything around you.
In other words, the decisions you make reshape your sensory experience, meaning that when you decide, you start living in a different world.
On the flip side, indecision leads to anxiety because it overwhelms the brain with too much sensory information. The brain is wired to conserve energy by reducing unnecessary processing. Indecision keeps all options open, requiring more mental resources and causing fatigue and anxiety. Often, the stress and emotional turmoil we feel don’t stem from potential outcomes but from the energy drain of indecision itself.
You could decide to quit your job and make something great out of it; or decide to stay and do the same. Once you commit, you’ll always have the chance to course-correct and turn it into something meaningful.
Let’s explore some common scenarios where decision-making like this comes into play:
Career Change: Suppose you feel stagnant in your job but aren’t sure if leaving is the right move. You weigh the pros and cons—security, familiarity, income—but none of that resolves the underlying question. In this case, there’s no clear choice. The real decision happens when you stop waiting for certainty and step into the unknown. Whether you stay or go, what matters isn’t the decision itself—it’s your willingness to move forward and create something meaningful on whichever path you take.
Relocating to a New City: Perhaps you’re considering a move. You research job opportunities, housing options, and the impact on your social life. Yet, no amount of analysis will bring certainty. A true decision isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about taking action even when the outcome is unclear. Whether you move or stay, the clarity will come from the experience itself, not from endlessly weighing your options.
Starting a Business: You’ve always wanted to start your own business, but the risk of leaving a steady job feels overwhelming. The facts won’t give you a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ because both options carry risks and rewards. The real decision comes when you accept the unknown and take the leap. It’s not about waiting for a sign that guarantees success—it’s about committing to act, knowing you can adjust course as you go. Clarity comes through action, not from standing still.
Ending a Long-Term Relationship: Consider someone contemplating whether to end a long-term relationship. They can logically justify staying—shared history, emotional ties, and practical benefits—or leaving, with hopes for new possibilities. But no amount of thinking will bring certainty. The decision happens when they step beyond the need for a perfect answer and choose to act. Whether they stay or leave, the real clarity emerges from the decision itself and the new direction it creates.
Investing in Yourself: We often hesitate when it comes to making decisions that require investing in ourselves—whether it’s committing time and energy to personal growth, working with a personal trainer, attending a yoga retreat, or enrolling in a program to build new skills. The uncertainty creeps in: Will it really make a difference? Is it worth the time, money, and energy?
Waiting for certainty keeps us stuck. True transformation doesn’t happen when we have all the answers—it happens when we commit to taking that first step. When you decide to invest in your growth—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional—you start to see the world differently.
The decision itself creates momentum. It’s not about being 100% sure of the outcome, but about trusting that action will lead to new insights, growth, and progress, even if you can’t see the full path ahead.
To choose is to know before acting. But to decide is to act before knowing—and sometimes, acting is what helps you figure things out.
So, the next time you’re stuck, remember that waiting for certainty might not bring clarity—acting with courage will