During a time defined by unexpected challenges and change, thought leaders are encouraging us to use the power of uncertainty to our advantage. Psychologist Paul Piff at the University of California, Irvine, tells us that uncertainty makes it safer to enjoy the best things in life. That optimistic view is seconded by Jessica Alquist, who highlights the unexpected benefits that can come from finding your way in uncertain spaces. Anxiety over climate change and health crises are at an all time high. Yet, during these critical times, knowing how to survive the unknown is essential.
A recent experiment illustrated this notion by distributing fliers to pedestrians in California, suggesting either that life is constant or unpredictable. The results revealed a noteworthy trend: over a quarter of participants exposed to the “Life is unpredictable” message chose to stop at a nearby table adorned with roses, compared to only 11% of those who received the opposite message. This research underscores the idea that acknowledging life’s unpredictability can lead to more profound engagement with one’s surroundings.
The Psychological Perspective
Jessica Alquist the uncertainty of being right on the verge of death is like having a gun shot wound. This discomfort can drive people to search for fast answers, which aren’t always tested and can even produce misleading results. “We view that feeling as just entirely negative without recognizing how useful it is,” she remarked, suggesting that the ability to tolerate uncertainty could foster personal growth and resilience.
Moreover, Alquist identifies a key strategy for coping with uncertainty: focusing on controllable aspects of life. “One of the ways that [people] can cope with … uncertainty is by focusing on the more controllable, positive things in their life,” she stated. This strategy pairs well with the recent research conducted by neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff at King’s College London. She says this is an adaptive human trait developed to avoid danger – not just threat perception but threat prediction.
Nick Carleton, a researcher at the University of Regina in Canada, shares insights on how societal worries can amplify feelings of uncertainty. He also recognizes that a lot of these challenges are beyond the capacity of any one person or community to address on their own. “You can get … that sense of certainty right away,” he explains, underscoring the allure of seeking immediate answers amidst overwhelming concerns.
The Impact of Uncertainty on Well-Being
Researchers are spooked by the increasing prevalence of anxiety and other mental health disorders. These complaints are all deeply connected to a high tolerance for ambiguity. In 2019 Carleton and others flipped that narrative on its head with a groundbreaking study. As a result, they discovered that Americans are becoming increasingly unable to manage uncertainty. Low tolerance for uncertainty can increase risk for serious mental health disorders. Disorders such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and sometimes even depressive symptoms develop in response.
We’re encouraged to see that experts are already rising to the occasion to address this burgeoning crisis. They champion everyday acts of kindness to increase our happiness and build our social ties. Small, everyday actions—reaching out, listening—amplify hope and reduce anxiety. Giving your time freely to others is a wonderful way to develop a deep network of community and support.
If you’re still not convinced of the power of perspective, this parable by Paul Piff will change your mind. In it, two people walk along a beach covered in sea stars. Someone like you could spend a day tossing as many sea stars back into the ocean as possible. This small, but mighty act is an example of the faith placed in small actions to make big moves. “I’m going to have an effect on the starfish I’m throwing back,” he notes, highlighting how individuals can make meaningful contributions despite overwhelming challenges.
Strategies for Embracing Uncertainty
As we face the reality of an uncertain society, learning how to cope is essential. Jessica Alquist argues that acceptance is the first step to preparing for the unexpected turns of life. Understanding that uncertainty is unavoidable as well as productive can be a source of empowerment. This perspective allows them to live in a nuanced and complicated world rather than retreating from it.
Paul Piff further corroborates this notion when he encourages an emphasis on mindfulness and savoring experiences when future is uncertain. He states, “Given that unfamiliarity permeates our current ether … uncertainty can be considered a widespread public health problem.” By shifting focus towards positive elements within their control, individuals can bolster their resilience against anxiety and embrace the unknown.
The example above from that same experiment showing how pedestrians responded to messages about the predictability of life goes even further to prove the above points. The phrase “Life is unpredictable. Stop and smell the roses” serves as a reminder to cherish fleeting moments amid chaos.
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