Most Americans feel they are drowning under the current wave of uncertainty that is affecting every aspect of their lives.

The economy remains stuck in recession. Millions of citizens have lost jobs. Other jobs are in jeopardy. Real estate values are down – way down. The number of homes lost to foreclosure is mind-boggling. Millions of other homes are under water and real estate values are forecasted to go down more.

At the same time, costs have increased for food, electricity, gasoline, medical care and seemingly everything else. The list seems endless, and the uncertainty is overwhelming.

So much so, signs are warranted with the new slogan: “It’s the Uncertainty, Stupid!”

Today, many Americans are living in circumstances they have never experienced.

They worry. They wonder.They ask questions … of themselves … sometimes others:

How long will the uncertainty continue?

No one knows.

What we do know – for certain – is that we are uncertain about how to respond to all of the uncertainty.

Why is uncertainty affecting everything?

There are many reasons – and many arenas – that each of us should reflect upon.

The uncertainty that growing numbers of Americans are now experiencing is testing the limits of our human ability to cope as individuals and, together as families, communities and nation.

Why is that?

At its core, uncertainty is the absence of predictability – a situation that can bother many of us.

Making things worse, for generations, people have been conditioned that they can have it all – right now. Whatever it may be that one wants, they can have it immediately.

As a result of such conditioning – and increased provisioning by the government – is it any wonder that so many people actually believe they have a “right” to have everything they want? Or, a “right” to anything some group or politician tells them should be given to them?

Perhaps it’s the proverbial “sure thing” syndrome – the guarantee.

But, it is also how many prefer to handle both responsibility and uncertainty – they don’t.

Rather, they avoid it. Why is that?

Avoiding uncertainty is perceived by many people as the only way (think easiest) they can tamp down what they are feeling: anxiety, worry, stress and even the fear.

Each time we see and hear of the preferred approach used in Washington these days, I am reminded of a phrase that aptly describes how elected officials address uncertainty: analysis paralysis.

Why do they do it?

To be fair, public officials are people too. So, uncertainty frequently snuffs executive decisiveness. In its stead, commissions are established to conduct yet another study.

Of course, the recommendations from said commission won’t be due until after an upcoming election, so political calculation is obviously part of the mix.

As a result, the status quo issue continues, due in no small part to the executive’s inability to effectively deal with uncertainty.

You get the picture.

In reality, whenever any of us – regardless of position, station or situation – avoid confronting the circumstances, we likely inflict one of life’s ironies upon ourselves and others.

Those who have bought into the “sure thing” cacophony – so carefully orchestrated by progressive soothsayers – have deprived themselves of the opportunity to learn life lessons and some of the intrinsic principles of uncertainty, including: uncertainty affects everything; uncertainty is difficult; uncertainty breeds quandary; and, uncertainty makes all situations delicate.

Of course, the key life lesson for all of us is the most viable alternative: confront all serious issues.

Ultimately, that’s how every one of us can overcome uncertainty, because most who have done so did it that way.

Rich Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communiations and founder of Citizens for Change. He may be reached at 1-877-Rich-Speaks or by e-mail at RichOlivastro@gmail.com