How Embracing Uncertainty Can Improve Your Mental Health and Decision-Making

Simone Stolzoff is a journalist whose work examines the intersection of work, identity, and relationships. His first book, The Good Enough Job, questioned the outsized role work plays in modern identity and offered ways to restore balance. Now, he returns with a second book, How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands Answers, which dives into why uncertainty triggers so much anxiety—and how to manage it.

In an era marked by rapid climate shifts, unpredictable political decisions, and the transformative impact of AI, Stolzoff shifts the focus from predicting outcomes to building resilience. He recently spoke with Fast Company about his findings. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Why Uncertainty Feels So Painful

Stolzoff highlights a key insight from his research: the pain of not knowing is often worse than the pain of a bad outcome itself. He explains this through the lens of human evolution. Our ancestors survived by reacting quickly to threats—like rustling in the bushes—where uncertainty could mean life or death. Today, our brains still prioritize certainty as a survival mechanism.

"Our brains are wired to feel safe and secure when we are certain, and to feel anxious or worried when we are uncertain."

This instinct drives us to escape uncertainty as fast as possible, often by choosing the safest option—even if it’s not the best one. Stolzoff points to studies that underscore this:

• For women awaiting breast cancer biopsy results, the period of uncertainty is more stressful than the diagnosis itself or subsequent treatments like chemotherapy or surgery.
• In a study, participants given a 50% chance of receiving a painful electric shock reported far higher stress levels than those given a 100% chance.

We’d rather face a known bad outcome than endure the ambiguity of uncertainty.

How Intolerance of Uncertainty Harms Us

Stolzoff argues that our discomfort with uncertainty fuels broader problems:

• Increased anxiety and poorer mental health
• Excessive worry about uncontrollable factors
• Greater susceptibility to misinformation, as people rush to fill gaps with answers—even unreliable ones

He emphasizes that one of life’s most valuable skills is learning to persist despite not knowing what lies ahead.

Can We Learn to Tolerate Uncertainty?

Stolzoff suggests that reframing uncertainty as a natural part of life—rather than a threat—can reduce its emotional toll. By accepting that not every question has an immediate answer, we can make better decisions and avoid the pitfalls of impulsive choices driven by fear.

His book serves as a guide to navigating a world where answers are scarce, but resilience is essential.