Why is Uncertainty a Gift? A Former Athlete's Perspective on Change

I’ve been there. One chapter ends, and suddenly everything that felt familiar is gone. Whether it was a job, a team, or a routine, I found myself staring at the unknown, wondering what came next.

That kind of uncertainty can shake you. But I’ve learned it can also shape you.

Why Is It So Hard to Let Go of What We Know?

As athletes, we live in structure. I got used to having every hour accounted for, training, recovery, team meetings. It gave me purpose and direction. So when that structure disappeared, I didn’t just lose a schedule. I lost a part of myself.

I know I’m not alone in that. On the 2ndwind Podcast, Rachel, a former volleyball player, shared something that really hit home:

"And when it’s taken away, you almost go into free fall and become incredibly reactive. If you can just build in time to give yourself the ability to look up and to look wider than the immediate now... you’ve given yourself permission to get grounded and go again."

That stuck with me, because I felt the same way. Maybe you have too.

What If Uncertainty Isn’t a Problem to Solve?

When I think about the moments that shaped me most, they weren’t the easy ones. They were the moments when I felt completely out of my depth. The ones that forced me to grow.

So I stopped trying to run from uncertainty. I started asking new questions, exploring new ideas, and letting myself be curious. Over time, I realised that the unknown wasn’t my enemy, it was the beginning of something new.

What Helped Me Move Forward?

If you’re in that same in-between space, here’s two quick things that helped me:

1. I Reframed the Narrative

I stopped seeing transition as a loss and started seeing it as a reset. A chance to rethink what success really means, for me.

2. I Took Small, Intentional Steps

I didn’t try to reinvent my life overnight. I studied, travelled, worked and explored new interests. Most importantly, I gave myself permission to not have all the answers.

So, What’s Next for You?

If you’re feeling uncertain about your next step, that’s okay. I’ve been there. And I can tell you, there’s something on the other side of this that’s worth discovering.

At 2ndwind, we’re here to help. We support athletes through this transition so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

👉 Want to explore what’s next? Check out our career resources: 2ndwind.io