There is evidence for a developmental shift that makes uncertainty more exciting in younger years and more anxiety provoking as we grow older (Nussembaum, 2023). Adults like novelty just as much as children, but are more averse to risk, loss and ambiguity. These protective cognitive mechanisms make it harder for adults to embrace uncertainty and benefit from the learning opportunities it brings. Decision-making research has shown a reliable preference towards choices with a certain outcome, even if it carries a lower guaranteed reward than the uncertain choice (Simonsohn et al. 2009).

 

However, the motivating-uncertainty effect tells us that uncertainty generates positive experiences such as excitement and motivation. When people focus on the process of obtaining a reward (rather than the value of the reward itself) they will invest more time, money and effort in to obtaining it (Shen et al., 2015). This suggests that uncertainty is exciting when you have the freedom not to think about outcomes. 

 

Anyone with responsibilities, commitments and goals might therefore think that uncertainty is not for them. But I don’t think this is what the research is suggesting. To enjoy uncertainty, you don’t have to ditch your goals and ambitions, but you do need to be able to put them in your peripheral vision. The outcomes still matter, but by moving your focus to be process of obtaining them, you will work harder, enjoy it more, and the results will start to generate themselves. 

 

These studies suggest that if you are feeling anxious from uncertainty, it’s good to take your eye off the end game and instead focus on the process, lean into the part of you that enjoys novelty and nurture your inner child - the part of you that is intrigued by the possibilities and won’t let risk, loss and ambiguity stand in the way of discovering them.