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Ep 140 - Managing Uncertainty and All-or-Nothing Thinking



Episode Description:

This episode of More Than Anxiety is for you if you're struggling with managing uncertainty or all-or-nothing thinking.

You know that black-or-white mindset where everything's perfect or complete failure, no room for the messy middle. That's why you're stressed, feeling anxious, and maybe even stuck. I'm diving into why our brains crave certainty and how its absence fuels your anxiety spiral.

I share a client story, "Heather," who perfectly illustrated this on a recent call with me. She felt paralyzed by uncertainty after a career change, battling guilt and the fear of not finding the "right" next step. Sound familiar?

We challenge the myth that "perfectionism" or "anxiety" are fixed personality traits. They're not, ladies! They're patterns you can change! Discover how chasing the "perfect" choice leads to indecision, and how simple structure can bring immense calm.

Ready to get unstuck? This episode gives you the truth and actionable steps. Plus, I'll share two simple, affordable ways to get immediate help: my Boundaries and Balance Audit and the Unwind Your Mind audio course.

You don't have to believe everything you think. You can learn to trust yourself, feel more confident, and reclaim your time and energy.

In this episode, get straight-up truth on how to:

  • Break free from all-or-nothing thinking.

  • Manage anxiety from uncertainty.

  • Stop second-guessing and find your intuition.

  • Take action, even when unsure.

If this resonated, subscribe & review so more ambitious women can find it!




Episode 140 of the More Than Anxiety podcast featuring Personal Development Coach Megan Devito
Ep 140 - Uncertainty and Navigating All-or-Nothing Thinking

Podcast Transcript: Managing Uncertainty and All-or-Nothing Thinking

Are you an ambitious woman juggling a demanding career, family life, and your own well-being, only to find yourself caught in an endless loop of "all or nothing" thinking? Do you strive for perfection, dread uncertainty, and feel anxious when things aren't perfectly clear or "right"? If so, you're not alone, and this post is for you.


In the latest episode of the More Than Anxiety podcast, host Megan Devito dives deep into a common struggle for high-achieving women: navigating uncertainty and breaking free from black-or-white thought patterns. She shares invaluable insights and actionable steps to help you stop overthinking, reduce stress, and finally enjoy life beyond the anxiety spiral.


The High Achiever's Dilemma: When Uncertainty Breeds Anxiety

Megan highlights how capable, motivated women often find themselves stuck in a mindset where everything is either a resounding success or a complete failure. This "all or nothing" trap leaves no room for the messy, yet incredible, middle ground where most of life truly happens.

The core problem isn't always about finding the "right" answer, but rather the discomfort with uncertainty, not knowing the "how" or the "what" comes next. Our brains crave certainty; it feels predictable, safe, and gives us a sense of control. But what happens when that certainty is gone?

Megan shares the story of "Heather," a high-achieving woman who left her job not out of burnout, but from a clear vision that her values and purpose no longer aligned with her career path. Despite making a well-reasoned decision, Heather found herself overwhelmed by the uncertainty of finding a new "perfect" job. She felt the pressure to be constantly productive, even questioning her worth and contribution to her household.


Perfectionism Is Not A Personality Trait

A key takeaway from the discussion is the critical distinction between personality traits and thought habits. Many high achievers exclaim, "I am a perfectionist," or "I am anxious." Megan powerfully debunks this myth, asserting that these are not inherent personality traits, but rather thought patterns and reactions that can be changed.


Believing you "are" a perfectionist or a worrier keeps you stuck. Megan emphasizes that you can choose differently. While it might sound impossible now, learning to challenge these ingrained beliefs is precisely how you break free from the anxiety they create.


Beyond the "Right" Answer: Finding Structure in Uncertainty

Heather's journey revealed a crucial need: structure. When faced with the overwhelming freedom of not having a rigid schedule, her mind started to wander into boredom, indecision, and increased anxiety. The pressure to make the "perfect" choice paralyzed her, preventing her from creating even a simple routine.

Megan points out that our brains can be sneaky. When we chase perfection, we often avoid making any decisions at all, fearing failure or judgment. This avoidance only fuels the anxiety loop.


Your Path to Peace: Actionable Steps to Move Forward

So, how do you break free from this cycle of uncertainty and all-or-nothing thinking? Megan offers two powerful ways to start regaining control and calm:

  1. The Boundaries and Balance Audit: This quick, 45-minute audit provides a bird's-eye view of your life. You'll assess different areas (relationships, mental health, career, social life, physical health) and identify what's working well and what needs your attention. This process helps you uncover thought habits that are keeping you stuck, allowing you to move forward with clarity and intention.

  2. Unwind Your Mind Audio Course: This 5-day audio course offers short, impactful lessons (12-15 minutes each) designed to teach you how to separate your physical reactions from your thoughts. It provides the foundational tools to start feeling more grounded and less controlled by anxious thinking.


Embrace Your Intuition & Trust Yourself

The most empowering message from this episode is simple yet profound: you do not have to believe everything you think. You don't have to stay stuck in indecision or anxiety. To get unstuck, you must make a conscious decision to move forward, even when it feels scary or uncomfortable.

Megan helps ambitious women like you learn to trust their intuition, feel more confident, and cultivate a sense of calm.Imagine having more time and energy for your career, your family, and most importantly, for yourself.


Ready to stop the spin and start living a life beyond anxiety?


Don't let uncertainty dictate your life. Take the first step towards a calmer, more confident you!

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