You know that feeling when you’re waiting for test results, job offers, or life-changing decisions to materialize?

When you’re caught between where you were and where you’re going, but you have no idea when—or if—you’ll actually get there?

That’s limbo. And if you’re feeling stuck there right now, you’re not alone.

I’ve been thinking about this lately because it seems like so many of us are living in some version of a waiting room.

Maybe you’re between jobs, relationships, or major life decisions. Maybe you’re waiting for health news, visa approvals, or just waiting for life to feel less… uncertain.

Here’s what I’ve learned: being suspended between one chapter and the next isn’t a personal failing—it’s a universal human experience.

The challenge isn’t avoiding these periods of uncertainty, but learning to navigate them with intention rather than just enduring them.

This post is inspired by Owen Wilson’s character in Apple TV’s Stick.

When you find yourself in limbo, you can try these out:

Embrace the Pause Instead of Fighting It

The first thing we can do is stop treating uncertainty like an emergency that needs immediate resolution. When we’re desperate to escape limbo, we often make hasty and impulsive decisions trying to force clarity where none exists yet.

I know this sounds counterintuitive when every fiber of your being wants to know what’s next.

Instead, what if we approached uncertain periods like Emma Grede approaches her career challenges?

She focuses intensely on what she can control and develops real expertise in those areas.

In limbo, you can’t control the timeline, but you absolutely can control how you spend your time and energy.

Think of it this way: you’re not trapped in limbo, you’re temporarily residing there. And any place you’re living deserves your full attention, not just your impatience.

Invest in Yourself While You Wait

One of the most damaging myths about uncertain periods is that we should put our lives on hold until we get clarity.

But what if this waiting period is actually prime time for personal development and self-discovery?

When external circumstances are unclear, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn inward. What interests have you been putting off? What skills have you wanted to develop? What relationships could use more attention?

This isn’t about keeping busy to distract yourself—it’s about intentional growth.

Celebrate being in the Present Moment

One of the biggest traps in limbo is thinking we need to wait for the big resolution before we can feel good about our days.

But satisfaction and fulfillment come from being fully engaged with whatever is in front of us right now.

This doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect or ignoring your bigger goals. It means finding genuine moments of engagement and satisfaction in your current reality.

Maybe it’s getting completely absorbed in a creative project, having a meaningful conversation, or tackling a challenge that genuinely interests you.

The goal isn’t to stay busy—it’s to stay present. When you’re fully engaged with your current experience, you’re not just passing time, you’re living it.

Be in your Zone

When you don’t know what’s coming next, it’s easy to feel like nothing you do matters. But creating your own structure can be incredibly grounding. Identify two or three priorities that matter to you regardless of what happens next, and focus on making progress in those areas.

In uncertain times, what matters might be different from what matters when you have a clear path forward. Maybe it’s maintaining your physical health, deepening important relationships, or developing skills that will serve you regardless of what comes next.

The key is choosing these priorities intentionally rather than drifting through your days hoping something will change. When you create your own framework, you’re reclaiming agency in a situation that often feels beyond your control.

Reframe This Chapter as Part of Your Story

Here’s the perspective shift that changes everything: stop seeing uncertain periods as lost time and start seeing them as lived time.

Your limbo period isn’t a detour from your real life—it is your real life, just in a different phase.

Your uncertain period might be where you develop resilience, gain clarity, or build skills you didn’t know you needed. It might be where you learn to be comfortable with ambiguity—a capability that will serve you well no matter what comes next.

Just remember…

Being in limbo isn’t evidence that you’re doing something wrong or that your life is stuck. It’s proof that you’re human, living in a world full of uncertainty and possibility.

Would you like to Rediscover Your Zest for Life and Break Free from What’s Holding You Back? Do check out a laser focused Coaching Offering called, Get out of your Own Way. It is NOT a PDF or video course. It is personalised just for you and includes a HUMAN coach.

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