Sometimes our greatest advantages and opportunities are hidden in the realm of the unknown…
It’s natural for you to feel apprehensive about the future. It is normal to feel like the world is coming down on you when you are making a huge transition in life. We tend to cling to familiar things. Once we get started and get comfortable, we just don’t want to let go. We feel fear of the unknown because we cannot anticipate the outcome.
Sometimes, staying where you are in life and doing nothing can be much riskier than doing something different. This only happens because staying put prevents you from growing and it prevents you from tapping into your potential. It also keeps you from evolving with the rest of the world. Globalization is real and we are interconnected which is a result of the information age. If you are old school and still don’t know how to use an email, you have been left behind. The only way you can prevent this from happening is to learn and adapt. Staying put means that you cannot do that.
Our brains are hardwired to reject uncertainty. Our brain prefers a predictable negative outcome over an uncertain outcome. It’s critical that you know that the best of who you are could be found within unknown circumstances. Your big break may be found within the unknown. Ideas that change your life for the better or become the foundation for your next business idea may be found within the unknown.
In 2011, I decided that it was time for me to do something different with my life. I was tired of being broke and stuck. I packed up and moved to China. It was overwhelming. I was alone on what felt like a different planet. My neighbors did not speak English. There was meat hanging out of people’s windows. The police were often hanging out and did not have shoes on. I just did not know what the heck was going on.
Needless to say, China ended up being one of the best things that happened to me. I met my wife in China. I became sober while I was in China and I really matured. I learned to speak Chinese and learned about cultures from around the world. I found out that there are so many ways to do events, performances, meetings, and activities. I grew professionally and I realized how great my potential was professionally in the US. It was like a lock opened that was on my brain. It was a big move into the unknown that was 200% worth it!
Don’t be afraid, a better version of you may be found in the unknown. Embrace it and have faith that God will not forsake you nor give you anything that you cant handle.
Terrance Thomas
