17 Comments
author

OK, let's hear from you! Which of Chris’s lessons about uncertainty might apply in your own life?

Personally, I loved the moment in Chris's story when he "identified the catalyst that would start the chain reaction"—in his case, tackling the GMAT—because pursuing *any* overwhelming, uncertain dream ultimately comes down to taking the single next step, many times over.

It's advice that's worked for me when starting down a new career path, moving cross-country, and starting this Substack!

Expand full comment
author

Maddie, thank you so much for featuring my story on your site! This is such an honor. I am so glad we connected! I look forward to featuring your story soon.

Expand full comment
author

Chris, the honor is all mine! Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable and personal story that also happens to hold *tons* of universal lessons for the rest of us.

Expand full comment
Oct 14, 2023Liked by Maddie Burton, Chris Anselmo

Out of his six points at the end the two that resonated with me were: be open to a different timeline. I used to get very tense if I wasn’t achieving milestones in the goal time I set. It HAD to be by xx date and if it wasn’t that was a fail. I wish I had given up that habit a lot earlier and saved myself some grief.

And, be open to surprises that might be better than your original plan. This has been the best gift I’ve received in my life so far. Change doesn’t have to equal bad. It usually is much better than you think!

Thanks Chris and Maddie.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Kim!

Expand full comment
author

Kim, yes to all this! It's *so* easy to forget that fun surprises are potential outcomes of uncertainty...not just worst-case scenarios. 😜

And I feel you on the milestone-timeline thing. I only realized recently that I clung to these timelines because I was uncomfortable with the uncertain, messy middle that precedes the hoped-for stability and certainty that comes along with "achieving" milestones.

Thanks for your thoughtful comment!

Expand full comment
Oct 13, 2023Liked by Maddie Burton, Chris Anselmo

The key thing I heard in Chris' story is that he listened to his dream and pursued them. I think that spark or passion we feel tells us what direction to move even though we cannot know all the challenges we will face. What an inspiring person!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Austin! I agree - and can now see in retrospect - how following our dreams can make planning a lot more doable.

Expand full comment
Oct 14, 2023Liked by Maddie Burton

Thanks for sharing your story. It actually inspired me to try to listen more to my inner voice. You’re amazing.

Expand full comment
author

I love this takeaway—thank you for sharing it, Austin!

One of my favorite parts of this piece is how Chris included his internal dialogue, which underscores your point that listening to our dreams isn't always straightforward...most of us are very effective at finding reasons not to pursue scary-but-meaningful goals.

And I agree 100%: being clear on your desired *direction* in the fog of uncertain challenges lights the path forward!

Expand full comment

Wow, what a story Chris! Thank you for your vulnerability in opening up about your story!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Jordan!

Expand full comment
Oct 13, 2023Liked by Chris Anselmo, Maddie Burton

Starting with the goal and working backwards... brilliant. Sometimes those voices of doubt are fierce, but it sounds like the overwhelm NOT pursuing your goal was bigger than the overwhelm of going for it. I appreciate your honesty about how "yeh, I was weaker afterwards"—sometimes a harsh truth for those of us living with chronic illness. But the lifeline you grabbed was just that—LIFE! And I'm so glad you made it (and learned some helpful tools along the way for your next pursuit.) ;)

Expand full comment
author

+1 to all of this! 💥

Expand full comment
author

+1 to your +1!

Expand full comment

Embracing uncertainty resonates, and going for your goals despite that uncertainty and difficulty. I had a moment in life when I realized what I would regret if I never took the plunge.

Expand full comment
author

I'm so glad you came to that realization, Stephanie! And I'm so glad Chris's powerful story resonated with you—as it did with me, too. Thanks for being here!

Expand full comment