We live in a culture that shies away from uncertainty and prefers to get answers to every question as soon as it arises. However, according to research by Maggie Jackson, author of the book “Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure”, there are huge benefits for everyone who tolerates the stress that comes with uncertainty, such as easier learning, better crisis management, and richer social connections. Research reveals three ways you can utilise these benefits for your profession and personal life:
First of all, be curious. When you are curious, you are in a much better position to overcome the stress of uncertainty. This is because you will learn to see it as an exciting opportunity to explore the unknown rather than a threat. One way to train your curiosity is to keep a list of topics that you come across in your everyday life that you know little or nothing about, and whenever you have a few free minutes, read up on one that interests you.
Secondly, simply enter moments of uncertainty. By doing so, your attention level is expanded, and you become more receptive to learning new things. If you consciously accept taking steps into the unknown, over time you will learn how to better oversee these challenging situations, find solutions, and generally perform more consistently.
And finally, try to break out of your social bubble and start engaging with people who are most different from you. This allows you to build empathy, break down black-and-white thinking, and contribute to tackling social polarisation by building bridges to the other side. Travel to an unknown destination, try another festival, or volunteer for a good cause…
Although it might feel counterintuitive for many, it shows that embracing uncertainty comes with upsides. How can you incorporate these steps at work and in life in general?
