We all experience this at some point in our lives, it is inevitable and the human race cannot avoid it this is – uncertainty. Uncertainty can be unsettling. Not knowing what tomorrow holds, or how to prepare for unseen challenges, life often feels like navigating through a dense fog. No matter how we look at it, uncertainty is not only a fact of life; it’s the backdrop against which we carve our stories. In this article, we will explore some practical steps to embracing uncertainty and change.
Psychologists talk about ‘uncertainty tolerance,’ a term that sheds light on how different people cope with the unknown. Some see uncertainty as a source of excitement and opportunity, while others find it distressing. The key, I’ve learned, lies in resilience-building strategies. Simple techniques like mindfulness, setting smaller goals, and focusing on what can be controlled help mitigate the anxiety that comes with the unpredictable.
Change is another side of the same coin. Embracing it is like opening the door to personal development. Nassim Nicholas Taleb, in his provocative book ‘Skin in the Game,’ puts it starkly: to navigate life, you must be exposed to the risks and rewards of your decisions. What does this mean, practically? It means that engaging with uncertainty can enrich your life, offering chances for growth that safety and predictability simply can’t.
I remember some years ago when I was having a conversation with my youngest sister and I said – there is always a consequence to every decision you make. She didn’t like it at that time as she thought I meant something negative. Recently, in another conversation, she remarked – “you know I now understand when you said that there is a consequence to every decision I make.”
I asked how come she now understood it and she responded “Well, I used to be afraid of the unknown so making any decision was terrifying, however now I know that there are always two outcomes to a decision, saying yes to one thing means saying no to another. If I make a decision or choose not to, both have outcomes I will have to live with.
Drawing from the wisdom in ‘Skin in the Game,’ embracing uncertainty isn’t about recklessness; it’s about being an active player. This could mean making bold career moves or even changing small daily routines. It’s the first step in a broader philosophy of participation in life’s ever-unfolding narrative.
Embracing Risks: Taking Calculated Chances
Understanding the nature of risk begins with acknowledging its presence in every decision we make. It’s this interplay of chance and choice that Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores in depth in ‘Skin in the Game’. The idea that having skin in the game – meaning to have incurred risk by being involved in achieving a goal – is integral to taking ownership of our choices, particularly when confronting uncertainty.
When faced with the unknown, it’s natural to feel cautious, but it is also an opportunity to recognize and seize potential growth. I find that learning to differentiate between blind gambles and calculated risks can make all the difference. Here, Taleb’s work offers valuable insights into how personal investment and accountability can lead to more sound decisions.
There are impressive examples across different industries of individuals who’ve embraced risk and reaped rewards. From entrepreneurs who launched startups amidst financial uncertainty to investors who backed unconventional ideas, these are tales of people not just surviving but thriving amid uncertainty. Their stories often relate to the principles from ‘Skin in the Game’: they were fully committed, which shaped their approaches to risk and change.
Becoming comfortable with risk doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a skill developed over time. One that I am working on myself every day with every decision I make to bet on myself and put my needs first. I see my recent relocation as a good example, moving to start all over again in a new country is always risky even if it’s a place I call home. But I had to do it if I wanted to experience something different and better. I weighed the pros and cons even with the chance of it all not going to plan I made the decision because not leaving my then current environment was me staying in my comfort zone and expecting to experience extraordinary things.
So, start by assessing potential outcomes, both positive and negative. Educate yourself on the variables involved in any change you’re considering, and seek out diverse perspectives. By preparing and making informed decisions, you foster a resilience that steadies you when navigating life’s unpredictabilities.
So, let’s see how to apply these concepts bearing in mind that involvement and commitment are key. Having skin in the game allows for making informed choices and being prepared to stick by them through the ups and downs of change. Getting involved means not merely drifting with the current of change but swimming with intention towards your desired destination. This sometimes might mean swimming against the current of change but when you are committed there is something greater pushing you towards your goal than the current against you.
From Theory to Practice: Getting Involved with Life’s Changes
In ‘Skin in the Game,’ Taleb advocates for the benefits of engaging with risk and taking ownership of one’s decisions. Taking a page from his compelling narrative, I see the importance of active participation in life’s changes. When you have something at stake, your actions tend to be more thoughtful and deliberate. This principle can teach us the value of directly involving ourselves with the shifts and turns life throws our way.
Focusing on the principle of having ‘Skin in the Game’ means that your choices are made with greater care, as you’ll personally share in the gains or pains that result. The decisions that lead to life’s most significant changes—career moves, relationships, and personal investments—require this level of engagement. Each decision invites the opportunity to mould your future. My relocation was based on being closer to family, to my mum and siblings, as we all experienced Covid put a lot of things into perspective and for me family was my pull.
Sticking Through the Ups and Downs
Staying with a decision even when things are not going to plan is one of the hardest things but this is another principle in ‘Skin in the Game’. The move has been bumpy but there’s so much that I can look back on and be genuinely grateful because I persisted in my actions and decision.
Resilience isn’t just about recovering from setbacks; it’s also about adapting to new situations with agility. Embracing change doesn’t imply a reckless leap into the unknown, but rather, an informed step into a new chapter of life. Through resilience and adaptability, you’re able to pivot when necessary and gather valuable experiences along the way.
Now, let’s explore PRACTICAL STEPS to engage with life’s unpredictable nature. It starts with small steps—altering your routine slightly, volunteering for a challenging project, or even picking up a new hobby. Maybe the next time at the gym pick a challenging workout or take a different route to the supermarket. These activities train your mind to be more accepting of change.
Next, I’d encourage you to conduct research before making significant changes. As Taleb suggests, gauge the risks and understand them. When I moved back and was looking for a place I started panicking because the prices for rentals were not what I was used to but after speaking to a few advisors and working out a plan it turned out my concerns were not warranted.
Finally, create a support system. Surround yourself with individuals who are also engaged with the world, who make decisions actively, and can offer support and perspective.
The Wisdom in Uncertainty: Learning and Evolution
Undoubtedly, embracing uncertainty is far from a passive acceptance; it’s an active engagement that brings about learning and growth. The idea isn’t just to survive the unpredictability of life but to thrive in it. This notion is very much in line with what Taleb discusses in ‘Skin in the Game’. He suggests that personal involvement in decision-making—having skin in the game—is essential for fairness, commercial efficiency, and risk management.
When life throws unpredictable events our way, treating them as opportunities for learning rather than just obstacles can transform our experiences. His insights guide us to value trial and error, learn from doing, and understand that mistakes are valuable feedback, not just setbacks.
Considering failure in this light isn’t just philosophically comforting; it’s a practical approach that encourages resilience. With every misstep, we’re compiling invaluable data on what doesn’t work, which is as critical as knowing what does. This continuous process of experimentation, learning, and adapting is what keeps us evolving, not just as individuals but also as a community.
Take Home Message
Change is scary but inevitable and becoming comfortable with change is a skill to be learnt. The uncertainty we encounter is a powerful impetus for innovation and personal development. By embracing the unknown with courage and curiosity, we gain wisdom and the capacity for continuous improvement.
We’re not just passively watching life happen; we’re actively shaping it with each decision we make, each risk we take, and each lesson we learn. Being open to this approach can help us turn the uncertainties of life into opportunities for growth and development knowing that we are actively shaping our future and life is happening for us, not to us. How do you respond to life’s uncertainties? I would love to hear your experience on this topic or if you have any questions kindly do share in the comments.
Love and light
Sheila Daisy
