We all have those moments where we’re feeling a bit down and out about the future, whether it's about our love life, finances, career, or health. You might be wondering, "How can we make the future bright and positive when we're always living with the fear of the unknown?" Well, my friends - anything can happen in the future, and that includes great things! Rather than meeting uncertainty with fear, it’s time for us to start embracing a mindset of:
“UNCERTAINTY IS AN ADVENTURE.”
The future is a vast, open road, full of surprises and twists and turns. But that's not always a bad thing! It's time to look at the positive side of things and remember that we all have lots of examples of great things that have happened in our lives that were unexpected.
Look at some of the most incredible memories from your life. Did you know they were coming 5 years before they came? Maybe you didn’t know when they were 5 months away. Hell, maybe you didn’t know the amazing was coming until it was there. The unknown can be scary, but it can also be exhilarating. Think about the times when you’ve taken a leap of faith and tried something new - Sure, there may have been moments of doubt and fear, but ultimately, you came out stronger and more confident.
So, let's dive in and explore how anything can happen in the future, and how that can give us excitement for the adventure of life, not just the fear of the unknown.
1. LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Love is one of the most beautiful things that can happen to us, and it's also one of the most unpredictable. One day, you might be single and feeling lonely, and the next day, you could meet the love of your life! Perhaps you had love once and it is now gone, and the fear is it will never come again. There are plenty of people that found love later in life and after one or many unsuccessful relationships. Remain open to love and appreciate life works on life’s terms.
2. UNEXPECTED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
You might be working in a job that you don't like, or that doesn't challenge you, but don't lose hope! Anything can happen in the future, and that includes great opportunities for your career. You might find yourself suddenly being headhunted for a job that you never thought you'd be qualified for. Or right now, the Entertainment industry has a lot of uncertainty. Know that you are not alone in the struggles to find work. Maybe this is time to find some other passions that have not been exercised because of overworking. Perhaps some downtime will help create the space needed to slingshot your life forward.
Richard Branson once said, "Business opportunities are like buses; there's always another one coming."
3. HOBBIES WE NEVER THOUGHT WE'D ENJOY
You might think that you're not good at anything, or that you don't have any hobbies, but that's not true! Anything can happen in the future, and that includes discovering a new hobby that you love. Maybe you'll pick up painting, or learn to cook, or start writing a book. Embrace new discoveries that have no other life purpose than to put a smile on your face.
4. THE JOY OF TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE
Travel is one of the most exhilarating things you can do in life, and it's also one of the most unpredictable. You might plan a trip to a foreign country and end up meeting amazing people, having life-changing experiences, and learning new things about yourself.
As the comedian Steve Martin once said, "I love airports because the rules of society don't apply. Eat a pizza and have a beer at 7 am while wearing a tuxedo? Nobody cares."
5. NEW BEGINNINGS IN HOME AND LOCATION
Moving into a new home can be scary, but it can also be exciting. You might find yourself in a new neighborhood, with new friends and experiences waiting for you. Perhaps a new city is in your future or maybe someone new moves into your world. Be open that “new and change and different” can be incredible, not terrifying.
Arianna Huffington once said, "Fearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it, the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me."
See? The future isn’t all doom and gloom. It’s important to remember that life is full of surprises, and we have the power to shape our own destiny.
So, to sum it all up - anything can happen in the future, and so embrace uncertainty as an adventure, and approach the future with excitement and optimism.
- Phillip A. Barbb is a 2x Emmy®-nominated TV Producer and a performance coach focused on emotional intelligence, dynamic leadership, and strategic short-term and long-term goal setting for C-Suite executives, entrepreneurs, creatives, and rising-star business professionals.