Change Readiness: Why We Struggle with Uncertainty (and How to Get Better at It)

Think you’re good with uncertainty?
Let’s test that.

These aren’t big, life-changing moments.
They’re the small, frustrating, teeth-grinding ones we all know too well.

Everyday Uncertainty: The Tiny Triggers

1️⃣ The “...” in a chat.
Someone’s typing… then stops. Then starts again.
Your heart rate actually spikes, doesn’t it?

2️⃣ The delivery window.

“Your package will arrive between 8am and 8pm.”
Thanks for ruining my entire day, buddy. 🫠

3️⃣ The “We need to talk” message.
From your boss, partner, or friend.
Instant stomach drop.

4️⃣ Restaurant wait times.

“It’ll be about 20–30 minutes.”
Translation: anywhere between 10 and 90.

5️⃣ Unspecified meeting invites.
No agenda, no context — just “Quick chat?”
Pure anxiety fuel. 🥵

6️⃣ Loading screens with no progress bar.
Is it frozen? Should I restart?
The eternal questions.

7️⃣ Weather forecasts for big days.

“60% chance of rain.”
Otherwise known as: “We have no idea.” 🌧️

Why Uncertainty Feels So Uncomfortable

We’re wired to crave certainty.

It’s not a weakness. It’s biology.

Uncertainty triggers the same threat response in the brain as physical danger.

That’s why your pulse quickens when a message says “Can we talk?” or when a project timeline suddenly shifts.

For most of us, uncertainty means loss of control.

And control, whether real or perceived, makes us feel safe.

The problem?
Modern work, and especially change, is built on uncertainty.

So the leaders and teams who can stay calm when things are unclear hold a serious advantage.

Change Readiness = Uncertainty Fitness

Change readiness isn’t about loving chaos.
It’s about learning to stay curious, grounded, and adaptable when things are undefined.

People who handle uncertainty well tend to:

• Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions.

• Focus on what they can influence.

• Use reflection to reframe discomfort as data.

• Keep communication open rather than filling silence with stories.

These habits don’t remove uncertainty, they make it workable.

How to Practise Change Readiness

You can train for change readiness the same way you train a muscle: through small, deliberate exposure.

Try this:

• Leave a few gaps in your calendar and resist filling them.

• Start a project without knowing the full plan.

• Ask for feedback before you feel ready.

• Sit with the “…” in that chat before replying.

It’s uncomfortable, and that’s the point.
Each small rep teaches your nervous system that uncertainty isn’t danger; it’s information.

Why It Matters for Teams

Teams that can tolerate uncertainty don’t just survive change — they drive it.
They experiment more, recover faster, and trust the process even when the outcome isn’t clear.

That’s what true change readiness looks like in practice.
Not confidence without fear, but action alongside it.

Ready to Build Change Readiness in Your Organisation?

At The Brick Coach, we help organisations get change-ready.
If you’re ready to boost your team’s resilience and adaptability, get in touch.