Embracing Uncertainty Is the Key to Growth

History is packed with wrong ideas—maps showing California as an island, medical cures based on bloodletting, and the whole notion that the sun revolved around us. At the time, everyone was sure they were right. But as science evolved, so did understanding—and people who challenged their old beliefs ended up changing the world (or at least stopped making patients bleed needlessly).

In our own lives, certainty often feels safe, but it blocks growth. Rooted habits and unexamined values keep us stuck, even when evidence piles up that we need to adapt. Social psychology research finds that those who practice 'intellectual humility'—the willingness to admit and learn from being wrong—outperform peers and recover faster from setbacks.

Embracing uncertainty isn’t about doubting everything all the time. It’s about being open to feedback, willing to revise your stories, and agile in the face of change. In fact, the people most comfortable with ambiguity are often the ones who see the widest range of options and make the best long-term choices.

Pick one strong opinion—about how to succeed, who you are, or what’s possible—and ask yourself, 'What if I’m wrong?' Seek out a friend, classmate, or coworker who sees things differently, and truly listen to their view. Try shifting your behavior or attitude for a few days as if you might be missing something, and watch how your outlook or results change. Admitting you don’t have the universe figured out is not weakness; it’s the doorway to lifelong learning. Challenge yourself to think and act with less certainty just this week—and see where it takes you.