FOCUSED UNCERTAINTY: A Philosophy for Lost Students
“Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” (Written by Squire Bill Widener, but made famous by Theodore Roosevelt)
March 24, 2024
“Focused uncertainty” is an evolving philosophy to help lost university students, emphasizing the Stoic tenet of accepting what you can’t control and focusing on what you can. It helps students deal with their inevitable ambiguity and uncertainties. Here’s a breakdown of the meaning of “Focused Uncertainty”:
- Focused: This doesn’t mean ignoring uncertainty altogether. Instead, it means acknowledging it and directing your attention towards specific aspects.
- Uncertainty refers to the lack of complete knowledge or the inability to predict the future with certainty. It’s a fundamental aspect of life.
It is characterized by the following:
It is a philosophy of hope. This is because it focuses on what students can do and what they can control and influence. Instead of dwelling on unknowns and uncertainties, it encourages students to identify the areas where they have abilities and influence and put their energy there.
It is a philosophy that views uncertainty as an opportunity. It views uncertainty not as a threat but as a chance to learn and grow. It can push students outside their comfort zone and open doors to new experiences.
It is a philosophy of curiosity and humility. It recognizes that uncertainty is a fact of life. It acknowledges that students don’t have all the answers and to be more open-minded and tolerant of others.
It is a philosophy of resilience. Knowing they can handle uncertainty and change makes students less likely to fear the future.
It is a philosophy of courage. Students embracing uncertainty promote a willingness to step outside of their comfort zone and take risks.
Here are some examples of how students can apply Focused Uncertainty:
When students feel unsure about who they are — such as knowing their interests, strengths, and the kinds of work compatible with them — they can seek help from various courses that promote self-knowledge and career selection. Tests to measure personality, values, character, enjoyable work activities, and purposes to live for can provide invaluable insights.
When students are uncertain about their careers, they can turn this uncertainty into an opportunity for exploration and discovery. Students can take the above-mentioned courses and tests and explore possible career options through discussions with other students, professors, and people working in the field. Students can take classes outside their main field to explore potential career interests. Also, multiple internships can provide valuable insights into the appropriate career and vocation. In summary, use the university as a laboratory for exploration and discovery.
When dealing with challenging situations involving making new social connections, students can focus on what they can do, such as joining student clubs, participating in class work teams, and having lunches or “coffee chats” with other students.
When worried about academic performance and ability to maintain good grades, students may benefit from focusing on the next assignment and doing it well instead of worrying about their overall performance.
When setting long-term or complex goals such as work career, students should break these goals into smaller, more achievable ones they can focus on. “Inch by inch, life is a chinch” is a metaphor for taking small, incremental steps towards our goals. Big goals may seem daunting and challenging, but they can be made more manageable by breaking them down into smaller, more achievable steps.
In conclusion, Focused Uncertainty is not about denying the existence of uncertainty but rather about embracing it and taking full advantage of it. For the performer, Sting, “blind certainty” is the trait he deplores the most. Blind certainty is potentially very constraining and can severely limit student options. In contrast, uncertainty combined with curiosity, exploration, and discovery is liberating and empowering. Focused Uncertainty can enable students to not just cope with uncertainty but actively use it to their advantage.
I am grateful for the assistance of many USFQ students in developing this evolving philosophy, particularly those in the university course: “Navigating Your Uncertainties”.
Gerald L. Finch, PhD
Professor of Existential Psychology
Professor of Navigating Your Uncertainties
Founder, Champions for Lost University Students
