Natural Friction

On moving forward despite dissonance

One of the most common struggles I see—whether in leadership, personal growth, or decision-making—is the discomfort of uncertainty.

We are taught that certainty is not only desirable but achievable. That if we don’t move with certainty, we’re failing in some way. That if we just work hard enough, research enough, or listen to the right experts, we will find the “right” answer and move forward without doubt. But this is a myth.

In reality, friction is a fundamental part of existence. Not just in our personal and professional lives, but in the literal, physical world.

In physics, friction is what makes movement possible—without it, we’d slide aimlessly or remain stuck. The only way to eliminate friction entirely is to exist in a vacuum, a space devoid of interaction, challenge, and growth. Some people attempt this metaphorically—isolating themselves, avoiding difficult conversations, clinging to rigid belief systems.

But a life without friction quite literally means you're not moving forward.