Leading Through Uncertainty: Lessons From a Year of Messy Growth
If there’s one thing I know for sure after this year, it’s that leading through uncertainty isn’t neat or tidy. It’s messy, humbling, and often disguised as chaos. Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve felt it too—in your business, your team, or even just trying to keep all the plates spinning.
For me, 2024 was the year of messy growth. Full of curveballs, surprises, and moments that knocked me flat, it also brought quiet lessons that nudged me forward even when I felt lost. Reflecting now, I realize those lessons hold powerful insights for leadership. Let me share a few—because chances are, your own journey through leading through uncertainty might look a little messy too.
Lesson One: Curveballs Are Inevitable—It’s How You Handle Them That Counts
This year threw more than a few surprises my way. A big one? Letting go of a long-time project that felt like part of my identity. I held onto it longer than I should have because, well, letting go is hard. But here’s what I learned: clinging to something that no longer serves you doesn’t make space for what could.
For businesses, this looks like holding onto outdated strategies, legacy systems, or even just “the way we’ve always done it.” Letting go can feel risky, but it’s often the first step toward making room for the next big opportunity.
Lesson Two: Even When You Feel Lost, You’re Not Alone
There were moments this year when I felt completely unmoored—wondering if I was on the right path, doubting every decision. What pulled me through was leaning on my support system: family, friends, and colleagues who reminded me I wasn’t in this alone.
For leaders, it’s easy to feel like you have to shoulder everything. But your team, your network—they’re there for a reason. Lean on them. Share the load. You’ll be better for it, and so will they.
Lesson Three: Celebrate the Little Wins (They’re Not So Little)
When things feel messy, it’s tempting to focus on what’s going wrong. But one thing that kept me grounded this year was celebrating small wins—even when they didn’t feel like much at the time. Finishing a tough project, hitting a tiny milestone, or even just showing up on hard days—it all adds up.
In your business, this might mean pausing to acknowledge your team’s efforts after a challenging quarter or recognizing incremental progress toward a larger goal. These moments of celebration remind everyone (including you) that the work matters.
Turning the Mess Into a Framework
By the end of the year, I realized this messy growth wasn’t just personal—it was a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and showing up for what matters. It inspired a simple framework that’s helped me move forward with more clarity and intention. Maybe it’ll help you too.
- Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to assess what’s working and what’s not. No judgment, just honesty.
- Claim Your Wins: Big or small, they’re all valid. Write them down. Celebrate them.
- Release What’s Not Working: Whether it’s a process, a habit, or an old goal—let it go.
- Set an Intention: Focus on how you want to feel or what you want to prioritize.
- Take the Next Step: It doesn’t have to be big. Just one small step forward can spark momentum.
The Bottom Line – Leading Through Uncertainty
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s this: leading through uncertainty rarely looks the way we expect. It’s messy and uncomfortable, but it’s also where the magic happens. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or navigating the unknown, remember—it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, leaning into the mess, and trusting the pieces will come together.
So here’s to you, messy growth and all. If your year has felt chaotic too, you’re in good company. Let’s keep moving forward—one step, one lesson, and one win at a time.