In today's [economic](https://leofinance.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-economic) landscape, the only constant is change. Uncertainty is no longer a visitor at the door, it has become a permanent resident, sitting comfortably in our collective living room.

When we log on to [social media](https://leofinance.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-social-media) or turn on the TV, we're welcomed with tales of job losses, rising costs, and a looming [recession](https://leofinance.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-recession). And this has many of us filled with stress and anxiety, questioning our [financial](https://leofinance.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-financial) footing and wondering what lies ahead. 

But here's the thing that I've realized recently; although, it might seem so at times, economic uncertainty isn't something new. It's a reality we, as human beings, have faced throughout history, and one we'll undoubtedly encounter again. 

The key isn't to become "comfortable" with this turbulence, but to learn how to navigate it, and even thrive in its unpredictable currents. 

![](https://images.pexels.com/photos/5909794/pexels-photo-5909794.jpeg)
[Image Source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-using-money-counter-5909794/)

## Uncertainty's Silver Lining
Like [two sides of the Oracle's coin](https://inleo.io/@takhar/know-thyself-two-sides-of) on my previous post, uncertainty also has two faces, which are friend and foe. With uncertainty, I think with most people, it starts with a foe but if we choose to learn the foe evolves into a friend. 

Sure, economic uncertainty can be unnerving. Influencing us to make uncalculated moves that don't help much in the long term. 

Such as tightening the purse strings, stalling [investments](https://leofinance.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-investment), and spending a lot of mental energy worrying about future career paths. 

These are considered normal, in that they're the air we breathe in this economic climate. It's just what most people do and talk about. 

But amidst this normalcy, there's a subtle shift that's happening, especially for those who refuse to settle in and accept the new normal.

When the ground beneath our feet feels shaky, it's human nature to seek new solutions. I think what's an  interesting observation is that the more uncertainty we find ourselves in, the harder we fight to move towards certainty. 

They say necessity is the mother of invention, and uncertainty spurs innovation, pushing us to come up with ingenious strategies and create groundbreaking technologies. 

History tells us that World War II fueled [the development of penicillin](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/how-world-war-ii-put-penicillin-into-every-pharmacy) and The Cold War era played a pivotal role in [the birth of the internet](https://www.telefonica.com/en/communication-room/blog/history-internet-how-come-being-how-evolved/). The former revolutionized medicine in the face of widespread infections while the latter introduced a new paradigm shift in communication.

However, a recent and better example to illustrate this point about the silver lining of economic uncertainty is the birth of [cryptocurrencies](https://leofinance.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-cryptocurrency). We've learned that the 2008 financial crisis fueled the rise of [Bitcoin](https://leofinance.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-bitcoin) and other cryptocurrencies, offering an alternative financial system amidst growing distrust in traditional financial institutions.

This shows us that there is something potent about economic uncertainty and it is only doom and gloom on the surface, beneath lies new sunshines and rainbows.

![](https://images.pexels.com/photos/205410/pexels-photo-205410.jpeg)
[Image Source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/golden-hour-view-on-the-mountain-205410/)

## Charting A Course Through the Unknown
So, how do we navigate this uncertain terrain? How do we not just survive, but thrive, in a world where the economic forecast seems perpetually cloudy?

First things first. Financial security is like a life raft in uncertain waters. Achieving financial security, even if at a basic level is an important priority. This means prioritizing saving, managing [debt](https://leofinance.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-debt) wisely, and building financial buffers, such as an emergency fund that can weather unexpected storms.

But the basics can only take us so far, they're good for survival but won't help us thrive. 

For that, we need to sharpen our compass. This means investing in skills that are adaptable and in-demand across various industries. A proactive attitude towards lifelong learning can also help in keeping us relevant or employable in a changing landscape.

Another interesting observation is that we tend to be more open to learning something new during times of uncertainty, as what works before may not be working anymore now.

So let us not cling to outdated strategies or rigid career paths. But be open to new opportunities and be willing to pivot. Viewing economic uncertainty as an opportunity for financial reinvention.  
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*Thanks for reading!! Share your thoughts below on the comment.* 

Posted Using [InLeo Alpha](https://inleo.io/@takhar/becoming-comfortable-with-economic-uncertainty-)