On the Unknown

The unknown is scary to some, downright terrifying to others, seemingly exciting to other groups, and any possible other emotion for anyone else. How the unknown is viewed is based on personal perspective but the unknown is unequivocally the unknown. No one can read the future nor can they be absolutely certain of most outcomes. The unknown has pushed society through the age of exploration, through the bounds of space, and nearly everywhere else in our world. Without questioning and pursuing, society would be stuck in the same habits of yesterday. The unknown screams innovation. The unknown is a part of life just as much as making decisions or going through transitions. If we are alive, we will experience the unknown.

Uncertainty and the unknown can be navigated in many ways. We can choose to be risk-averse and calculate any potential upside or downside of our choices and then act. By assessing the pros and cons of any situation we are able to determine what exactly we may be diving into. It is through this thought process that we ask our crush out on a date. The unknown is what their answer will be. The risk is rejection, whereas the potential upside is a lifelong partner. This situation requires a commitment to embracing the unknown. We can also use the unknown as a personal testing ground for improvement. We can sign up for a race to test where our physical ability compares to our prior efforts as well as those around us. The unknown is how we will perform but in this unknown, we are able to work for this knowledge and sense of accomplishment. Everyone responds to the unknown differently and there is no perfect reaction. All that matters is we do act.

Regardless of our feelings about the unknown, it cannot be avoided. The unknown is a part of life if we have any inclination to live. How we interact with the unknown determines many of life’s outcomes. For this reason, we should choose to flip our perspective on the unknown and channel it for positive opportunities. Life is filled with uncertainty and running from the uncertainty will only detract from any positive potential we could find by simply choosing to act. The unknown only remains the unknown if we choose to do nothing. Once we act, doors open with wealth of stimuli and information to decipher and react accordingly. Act on the unknown and find out what is possible.