‍TL;DR –  How to Control the Uncontrollable‍

1. ✅ Know your audience – Prepare for who you’re speaking to, not just what you want to say.
2. ✅ Break down the wins – The ultimate goal is great, but small wins matter too.
3. ✅ Expect problems & have backup plans – Be flexible and ready to pivot.
4. ✅ Control what you can – Your energy, mindset, and delivery are within your power.
5. ✅ Smile through the chaos – Adapt, adjust, and stay confident.
6. ✅ Enjoy the ride – Once you accept uncertainty, you start thriving in it.

Some days feel bigger than others—a major pitch, an important presentation, a game-changing opportunity. No matter how much effort you put in, there will always be factors outside your control.

The secret? Controlling the uncontrollable starts with controlling your mind. The best performers don’t resist uncertainty—they prepare for it, embrace it, and make it part of their process.

Here’s how you can do the same.

6 Ways to Control the Uncontrollable

1. Prepare Like a Pro—Know Your Audience

‍

You can’t control the outcome, but you can control how prepared you are—and that starts with knowing who you’re dealing with.

• Who is your audience? Are they analytical, emotional, risk-averse, or bold decision-makers?
• What do they care about? What challenges are they facing? How can you position yourself as the solution?
• What tone and style will resonate with them? A casual discussion, a structured pitch, or a storytelling approach?

Too many people prepare what they want to say instead of preparing for who they’re talking to.Why it works: When you truly understand your audience, your message lands more effectively—regardless of unexpected obstacles.

‍2. Break Down the Wins (Success Is More Than Just the Big Goal)

‍

‍A big opportunity feels overwhelming when it’s all-or-nothing—so break it down into smaller wins.

• Ultimate Win: Close the deal, secure the promotion, win the competition.
• Mid-Level Wins: You get to present, gain valuable feedback, or build key relationships.
• Small Wins: You increase awareness, open doors for future opportunities, or sharpen your skills.

Every major milestone is built on small victories. Recognizing these helps you stay confident even when things don’t go exactly as planned.Why it works: When you reframe success beyond just one big outcome, you eliminate the fear of failure and maximize learning.

‍3. Expect Something to Go Wrong (And Have Plans B, C, D)

‍

‍The only guarantee? Something will not go according to plan. The mic will cut out. The key person won’t show up. Your timing will get rushed. Accept this reality now, and you’ll handle it smoothly later.

• Tech Issues? Have printed slides or a secondary device.
• People Cancelling? Identify backups and alternative contacts.
• Unexpected Questions? Prepare 2-3 key messages you can always pivot back to.

When you anticipate problems in advance, you don’t just survive surprises—you handle them with confidence.Why it works: Having backup plans means you’re always one step ahead, even when chaos hits.

‍4. Control What You Can—The Small Wins Matter

‍

‍In unpredictable situations, shift your focus to the things within your control.

• Your energy – Get rest, fuel your body, and show up strong.
• Your body language – Stand tall, breathe deeply, and maintain presence.
• Your tone and delivery – Speak clearly, slow down, and engage with confidence.

By mastering what’s within your power, you stay centered even when external factors shift.Why it works: High performers focus on controlling the controllables—the rest takes care of itself.

‍5. Smile & Stay Light—Confidence Beats Panic

‍

‍Stress makes small problems feel bigger than they are. Instead of tensing up, smile and adapt.

• Instead of frustration, laugh and pivot.
• Instead of anxiety, turn uncertainty into curiosity.
• Instead of overreacting, take a deep breath and stay flexible.

Why it works: A confident, calm presence inspires trust—whether you’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or handling a crisis.

‍6. Enjoy the Journey—Make the Uncontrollable Part of the Process

‍

‍The best experiences in life are rarely perfectly planned—they’re full of surprises, twists, and unexpected moments.The sooner you accept uncertainty as part of the process, the more you’ll enjoy the ride.Why it works: Once you stop fearing uncertainty, you start thriving in it.

Final Thoughts

‍

‍You can’t eliminate uncertainty, but you can train yourself to thrive in it.

• Know your audience—preparation starts with understanding who you’re speaking to.
• Break down success—define small and mid-level wins, not just the ultimate goal.
• Expect problems—embrace uncertainty and have backup plans ready.
• Control what you can—your energy, attitude, and presence matter.
• Smile through the chaos—confidence is your biggest asset.
• Enjoy the ride—when uncertainty becomes part of the process, everything gets easier.

Got a big day ahead? You’ve got this.

This article is part of the "Intellectual Capital Building" series.

Read more about FISH Capital here.