The Sunday Scaries: The Weight of the Unknown

An imagined path through the uncertain and unknown

The 'Sunday Scaries' have made more than one appearance in my writing, and they take many forms - sometimes, it's the weight of expectations, and sometimes, it's the stress of preparing for another week. But sometimes, it's the sheer unpredictability of what’s to come.

It reminds me of my least favorite movie genre—romantic comedies. You know the ones. Two people spend decades avoiding a simple, transparent conversation that would have solved everything in ten minutes - and I wouldn't have to sit through it! If only life worked that way - if only a single conversation or well-thought-out plan could erase the weight of the unknown. But life rarely follows a predictable script. Unlike a two-hour movie, we don’t always get a resolution by the final scene. And sometimes, no amount of planning or conversation can fully prepare us for what’s ahead. That’s where the Sunday Scaries creep in.

The Challenge of Transparency: When No One Has the Answers

We’re often told that transparency is key and good communication means keeping people informed and engaged. But what happens when no one has clear answers? When even those making the decisions are operating in a fog of uncertainty? It’s easy to demand clarity but more challenging to accept when the reality is that things are still in flux.

Years ago, I found myself in a situation where uncertainty was my daily reality. I owned my own business, a store I believed had the potential to grow into a thriving franchise. Business was initially very strong, but over time, circumstances shifted. Some impacts were my doing, like chasing trends too aggressively and neglecting my core business. Others were beyond my control, like construction that rerouted traffic from my location and the change to a city sign ordinance.

I was the owner - the one person "controlling" the situation; I could create the narrative. But I didn’t have as much control as was perceived. Every day, I navigated uncharted territory, not knowing if the business would succeed or fail. And the weight of that uncertainty was immense.

That’s not just the reality of leadership - it’s the reality of life. Sometimes, no one has all the answers.

Navigating the Uncertainty: What You Can Control

The natural response to uncertainty is to fill in the blanks - to speculate, to read between the lines, even to assume the worst. But we're prone to misinterpretation when we don’t have all the information. A vague email can suddenly seem ominous. A neutral comment can be twisted into a warning sign. Before we know it, we’ve created a narrative in our heads that may not be true.

So, what’s the alternative? Shift the focus. Instead of chasing answers that may not exist, we can change our approach to deal more constructively with the situation.

• Avoid Assumptions – When we lack information, our minds try to fill in the blanks—often leaning toward worst-case scenarios. But what if, instead of assuming the worst, we left space for possibility? Comparing ourselves to others or creating false narratives only adds stress. Acknowledge what you don’t know, trust that clarity will come in time, and focus on what is within your reach.
  

• Set Boundaries – You don’t have to be consumed by every rumor or incomplete piece of information. Just as you control what media you consume, you can also decide what conversations you engage in and where you invest your emotional energy. Setting healthy boundaries doesn’t just protect your well-being—it creates space for more meaningful engagement with what truly matters.
  

• Focus on What’s Real Today – Uncertainty thrives in the abstract, but progress happens in the tangible. Bringing your attention to something concrete—whether it’s finishing a project, exercising, cooking a meal, or even writing a blog post—grounds you in the present and reminds you of what is within your control. Each small, purposeful action builds a sense of momentum and stability.y.

Mental & Emotional Strategies: Moving Forward, Not Just Waiting

Uncertainty can be exhausting. It creates mental clutter, making it hard to focus, plan, or even enjoy the things we usually love. But we don’t have to feel that unease - we can redirect that energy.

Winston Churchill knew this well. Leading Britain through World War II, he didn’t have the luxury of certainty. He didn’t know when - or even if - victory would come. But he focused on what was within his control: rallying people, making strategic moves, and refusing to surrender to fear. His strength came not from having all the answers but from moving forward despite the unknown.

Andy Dufresne, from The Shawshank Redemption, is another example that comes to mind. Imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit; he had no guarantee of freedom. But instead of letting the weight of uncertainty break him, he worked within what he could control - slowly and methodically tunneling his way to a future he hoped but didn’t know would come.

The same applies to all of us. We may not know exactly what’s ahead, but we can take actions that serve us no matter what:

• Give Yourself Grace – No one has all the answers, and that’s okay. Taking a break, unplugging for a day, or simply acknowledging that you’re doing your best doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. Strength isn’t about constantly pushing forward; it’s about recognizing when to pause, reflect, and reset so you can move forward with greater clarity.
  

• Find Productive Actions – If the future feels uncertain, channel that energy into growth. Instead of simply preparing for the unknown, embrace exploration—take a course, develop a skill, start a journal, or have conversations that challenge your thinking. Progress isn’t always about hitting a specific milestone; sometimes, it’s about staying curious and open to what’s next.
  

• Reconnect with What Matters – When everything feels uncertain, return to your core values and connections. This could be a project you love, a team you respect, or a mission you believe in. It could also mean reaching out to someone experiencing similar uncertainty—whether to offer help or gain a fresh perspective. Supporting others reminds us that we’re not alone and that navigating change is always easier together.

Resilience in the Face of Change

Change will happen. That’s the one thing we can be certain of. And let’s admit, it isn’t always for the better. However, how we deal with change can improve our situation. Uncertainty doesn’t always come with a clear solution. But we’re not as powerless as we sometimes feel. The way we respond - the actions we take, the mindset we adopt—that’s where resilience begins. And often, simply choosing to move forward, even without all the answers, is enough.

The Sunday Scaries don’t come from knowing what’s ahead. They come from what we don’t know. And while the weight of the unknown can feel heavy, we don’t have to carry it alone - or forever. We may not always see the path clearly, but if we keep moving forward, the next step often reveals itself. There is always a solution.