Embrace The Unknown to Discover Hidden Opportunities
Every evening you face the same choice: revisit your regular pizza joint or scroll through Yelp for something new. You know exactly how your favorite tastes, but the unknown could hold a surprise. Computer scientists call this the explore/exploit trade-off—the balance between using what you already know is good and seeking new possibilities that might be better. Back in the lab, engineers solved this with a tactic: optimism in the face of uncertainty. They boost the appeal of completely untested options just because they’re untested.
Applying this in life means giving yourself permission to try new things on occasion, even when they seem risky. You set aside a small ‘Discovery Slot’ each week to explore. The first time, you might land on mediocre findings, but every now and then something shines brighter than your most seasoned favorite.
Over time, you build a richer pool of experiences, discovering hidden treasures you’d never have found if you’d only stuck to the classics. And those classics get all the sweeter in comparison.
Exploration may feel like a gamble, but it’s your shortcut to uncovering the next great restaurant, hobby, or friend—because you never know where the best might be hiding.
Embrace exploration as part of your routine by carving out regular time to try new things. Keep a ‘New Thing’ list to prevent defaulting to old habits and shape each discovery into a mini-experiment. Record what you learn afterward—both what delights you and what flops—so you refine your sense of opportunity. You’ll soon find that the payoff from novelty far outweighs its uncertainties.
What You'll Achieve
You’ll cultivate a growth mindset, boosting enthusiasm and resilience. By routinely exploring, you’ll uncover fresh opportunities, avoid stagnation, and enhance life satisfaction.
Boost Your Curiosity Quotient
Keep a ‘New Thing’ List
Spend two minutes each morning listing a restaurant, activity, or concept you haven’t tried before. Treat the fresh entry as your next exploration target.
Schedule a ‘Discovery Slot’
Block one hour in your calendar each week labeled “Explore.” Use it to try one item from your ‘New Thing’ list—no repeats and no defaulting to old favorites.
Celebrate and Record Wins
After each exploration session, jot down one thing you enjoyed and one insight you gained. Reflect on how it contrasts with your tried-and-true favorites.
Reflection Questions
- What’s one area you’ve hesitated to explore because you feared a bad outcome?
- How will you keep your sense of wonder alive with regular exploration?
- What have you discovered lately by just trying something new?
Personalization Tips
- Block Sunday afternoon for a ‘Discovery Slot’ to try the new bakery you saw on Instagram rather than your usual coffee shop.
- In your weekly team meeting, spend 15 minutes introducing one productivity app you’ve never used, then vote on which to pilot.
- When planning family outings, replace one familiar park trip with a local hidden gem you've never visited.
Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions
Ready to Take Action?
Get the Mentorist app and turn insights like these into daily habits.