Stuck in a crevasse: decisions in the face of uncertainty

Last night we re-watched the excellent documentary Touching the Void. Two mountaineers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, want to be the first to ascend the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. Things do not go well. I’m not spoiling it by telling you they both survive – the documentary features both men speaking to us about their experiences – but the details are almost beyond belief. I highly recommend you take a look if you haven’t already seen it (or even if you have).

There is a point at which Joe Simpson is facing near certain death. He is severely injured, massively dehydrated and exhausted, alone, stuck on a ledge deep inside a crevasse. There seems to be no escape. The logical thing to do seems to be to lie down and wait to die. But he doesn’t. He decides to take action (I won’t tell you what – you’ll need to watch it and see).

He explains this to us, saying:

You have to make decisions – even if they turn out to be wrong, if you stop making decisions, you’re stuffed

He’s right. It underscores why uncertainty is so difficult. It makes planning and decision-making provisional, and can lead us to stall, uncertain about whether and what steps to take. Conversely, choosing to take action – even in the face of uncertainty – has a galvanising, energising effect.

Where are you stalling at the moment?

Could you decide to move?

Until next week,

Take care of yourself and others

Madeleine

PS If you’d like to work with me as you navigate your way through uncertainty, let me know. Send me a message to enquire, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.

1. Want to find out more? Send me a note and let me know.

2. Feeling unfulfilled, overworked or unclear about what next? Work with me to identify what is holding you back and make a plan for more powerfully and enjoyably pursuing goals that matter to you. Contact me to find out more.

3. Join my list to receive regular articles and insights, early news about programs and offers, and respect for your inbox.

4. Follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

5. Prefer to talk? Choose a time and it will drop right into my schedule.

Click below to share this on your socials.