What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

Natalie Jenkins
Nov 5
2 min read

How to See Past Your Blind Spots and Move Innovation Forward

Ever feel stuck in the fog—unsure what to do next, where to go, or how to move forward?

Recently during an innovation coaching session, I found myself saying:

“Focus on what you can see, not what you can’t.”

That phrase sparked a powerful memory—and a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.

A Storm, a Road Trip, and a Lesson That Stuck

Let’s rewind to 1998. My husband and I were planning a much-needed family vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We couldn’t afford to fly, so we decided to drive—1,030 miles, nearly 20 hours on the road. This was pre-GPS and pre-smartphones. By today’s standards, we were basically navigating the wild.

The trip started smoothly. We had our route printed, our stops planned, and our snacks packed. Around 2 a.m., it was my turn to drive. It was a quiet night, and I was motivated by the thought of getting to the beach.

Then, around 4 a.m., everything changed. A thunderstorm hit—one of those torrential downpours where you feel like you're driving through a car wash. Our windshield was already covered in bug splatters, and the rain only made things worse. When I turned on the wipers, the bugs smeared across the glass, making it nearly

impossible to see.

Panic set in. I yelled, “I can’t see! I can’t see!”

Half-asleep but calm, my husband said something I’ll never forget:

“Focus on what you can see, not what you can’t.”

“All I can see are the white lines on the road,” I replied.

“That’s great,” he said. “Start there. What else can you see?”

With his help, I kept scanning the road. The more I focused on what was visible, the more I saw. Eventually, we spotted an exit and safely pulled over. Crisis averted—but the lesson remained.

What That Storm Taught Me About Innovation

Innovation often feels just like that stormy drive: full of uncertainty, blurry roadblocks, and the pressure to keep going despite unclear visibility. But that night taught me a few simple truths that have shaped how I approach uncertainty in my work.

1. Focus on What You Can See

Innovation is full of unknowns. Rather than getting stuck on what’s missing or unclear, shift your energy to what’s visible and actionable. Take the next small step, experiment, and learn fast. Progress starts where visibility begins.

2. Collaborate with Others

My husband’s calm voice and second set of eyes made all the difference. The same is true in innovation. Don’t try to go it alone for too long. Others bring fresh perspectives that help you avoid blind spots and break out of your own echo chamber.

3. Be Guided by Your Vision

We were driving toward a destination that mattered to us—a beach vacation we’d worked hard to plan. Innovation can be just as hard and just as worth it. When things get tough, reconnect with your why. That vision gives you the strength to push through uncertainty.