How to Sit With Ambivalence

That “gosh, is this the right thing?” feeling is all too familiar to many leaders and professionals, especially now. In this article, learn about how to use ambivalence to your advantage. (Helpful reminder: we often use the term “ambivalence” to mean that we don’t care. What it really means is that we aren’t CLEAR).

When faced with a decision, here three steps to harness ambivalence when and if it appears, from Harvard Business Review:

1. Name what you are feeling. Self-reflection can provide useful intel into the wrestlings of your heart and mind. Pay attention to the emotions that arise and you just may get the data you need to make a decision one way or the other.

2. Linger in the uncertainty. Be okay with not knowing. Rushing into a decision just to make the uncertainty go away doesn’t tend to go well. Instead, when you are feeling ambivalent, get comfortable sitting in the grey. Sometimes, the answers just aren’t found in black and white.

3. Seek out mentors who can put a transition into perspective. Let’s face it: uncertainty is scary. So invite others into it. Trusted counsel from mentors, family, and friends will not only help you feel not so alone; it just may put your decision into perspective. No matter what outcome you choose, chances are it isn’t the be all, end all. And that’s a good thing.

Learn more about harnessing ambivalence by reading the full article at https://hbr.org/2022/11/embrace-ambivalence-when-making-big-career-decisions.

Christina is a writer, speaker, and Founder of Parable. To get in touch with her, reach out to christina@findyourparable.com.