How Uncertainty Can be a Good Thing
(Adapted from an article by Elissa Schwartz, founder of Apercu Advisors)
Let’s imagine you’re standing in front of two doors.
You have two options.
Open Door 1 and get an ELECTRIC SHOCK.
Or choose the mystery behind Door 2.
Door 2 could be better or worse than Door 1, but you won't find out until you open it.
What do you choose?
Which door would you open?
Most folks would open Door 1.1
That's because most of us would rather have certain pain than gambling with the unknown. And that's true even if we have a 50-50 shot at getting something better, not worse, with Door 2.1
Why?
Because we crave certainty. We're calmer when we know what to expect — even if it's certain pain — because we can prepare for it.1
With uncertainty, we're hyper-vigilant to the possibility of pain. We're constantly on edge, waiting for the ball to drop.1
That's stressful and exhausting up until the moment we get certainty. And that waiting and worrying creates its own pain, no matter what outcome we get.1
That's how uncertainty hijacks our mind and outlook.
And that can backfire BIG time.
How?
It closes us off from the priceless opportunities that can come with uncertainty.
And that means we miss the chance to take advantage of all the good that uncertainty can really do for us.
So, what type of lemonade can we make from the lemons of uncertainty?
Let's find out by looking at some of the incredible silver linings of uncertainty.
Uncertainty...Inspires New Thought
The unknown can captivate us. It upsets our assumptions and expectations. And it makes us pay attention and think more deeply. That can get us to think outside of the box and open us up to new possibilities we wouldn't have considered otherwise.
Uncertainty...Builds Character
With the unknown, our choices may be the ONLY things that are 100% in our control. That can really put our judgment, our values, and our beliefs to the test. And it gives us the opportunity to learn from novel experiences, take on new challenges, and truly grow.
Uncertainty...Gives Us a Reality Check
Unexpected new situations can peel back our blinders and open our eyes to what's really going on. That can ground us, so we're not chasing rainbows. It also empowers us to recognize the difficulties we face, so we can actually work through them, instead of ignoring them and hoping they'll go away.
Uncertainty...Spotlights Our Priorities
Big uncertainties mute the little worries and distractions in our lives. When we don't know what's coming next, we're forced to focus on what really matters. As we do, our priorities can be a comforting safety net to fall back on — and a roadmap that gives us direction to move forward with confidence.
Uncertainty...Makes Us More Resilient
Every time we deal with uncertainty, we face novel challenges — and new chances to adapt, improvise, flex our skills, and endure. That can strengthen our mental game and keep us flexible when things go off course. It can also give us better strategies for bouncing back, solving problems, and persevering.2
Uncertainty...Makes Us Grateful
When everything's up in the air and nothing feels certain, it's much easier to appreciate what we DO have — like our relationships, our health, or our career. The gratitude we have for those dependable joys can keep us positive and clear-headed in the face of uncertainty. And that can help us get better at dealing with it and taking advantage of its silver linings.3
Uncertainty...Adjusts Our Perspective
Without surprises, we tend to roll along with life. Uncertainty can stop us in our tracks. It gives us a chance to pause, stand back, and look at the bigger picture. That can give us a fresh outlook and a big-picture perspective. It can also help us make better choices, no matter what type of uncertainty we're facing.4
Like Life, uncertainty can become what you make of it – and how you approach it can make ALL the difference in what you get out of it.
