In Our Own Time: Personality and Uncertainty
- Annabelle White
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Walking through woodland at this time of year, it’s hard not to notice the bluebells. I took this photo just this morning. A quiet shift has taken place — one that wasn’t visible all at once, but now carpets the forest floor in soft violet hues. The trees haven’t fully leafed yet. The weather is unsettled. But spring is arriving.
Seasonal change holds uncertainty. There’s promise, yes, but also unpredictability. And yet, most of us accept this kind of uncertainty more easily than we do in our working lives — perhaps because we trust it as part of a cycle.
When it comes to personal or professional uncertainty, though, our responses vary. They’re shaped not just by circumstance, but by who we are — our patterns of thinking, our need for control or flexibility, and how we process ambiguity. In other words, by personality.
Your personality is not the problem. But it offers useful clues.
Some people feel energised by change. They are at ease exploring multiple possibilities, even before there’s clarity. For others, change brings cognitive load. They want to know what’s expected, what’s next, and what the implications are.
Neither response is more resilient or more capable. But they are different. And when we don’t notice these differences — in ourselves or in others — we risk misunderstanding our reactions, pushing against our natural style, or expecting others to process uncertainty as we do.
Knowing your personality preferences can help you understand:
What you notice first in times of ambiguity
How much flexibility you need (or avoid)
What gives you clarity or steadiness
How you tend to act — or hold back — when faced with the unknown
Noticing the patterns
Psychometric tools like Lumina Spark can help bring these patterns into focus, but you can also intentionally tune in to your responses. For example, under pressure, you might withdraw to process things internally. Or you might lean outward, needing conversation to find clarity. You may focus on possible risks and gaps, or on opportunities. These aren't just habits — they are clues to how you make sense of uncertainty.
In coaching conversations, this realisation often brings relief. The issue isn’t simply what is happening. It’s also how we’re wired to interpret and respond to it.
When we notice our typical patterns, we gain more freedom in how we show up. We can stretch, if needed, but we also know what stabilises us. We stop pathologising our preferences and start navigating change with more skill and self-respect.
There’s wisdom in knowing your own rhythm
Spring flowers don’t arrive all at once. Some emerge early, others bide their time. There’s no competition. They simply respond to the light, the soil, and the season.
Likewise, our pace through uncertainty doesn’t need to match anyone else’s. Some of us take decisions quickly to restore momentum. Others need time to reflect, to gather information, to test assumptions before committing.
Self-awareness allows us to engage with change in a way that feels congruent — not performative. It also helps us work more effectively with others whose ways of navigating uncertainty might differ.
So as spring unfolds around us, perhaps it’s a good time to pause. Notice what’s shifting — not just outside, but within. What do you need to feel steady right now? What’s emerging? And how does your personality shape the way you move through the uncertain parts?
Think back to a recent period of uncertainty. What did you find most challenging — and most helpful — in how you navigated it? What does that tell you about how you're wired?
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Hi, I’m Annabelle, a Coaching Psychologist and Change Consultant. I help thoughtful professionals and teams build confidence and clarity to make better decisions and thrive through change.
If you're interested in coaching for you or your team, let's have a conversation:
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