How Uncertainty Builds Resilience and Creativity

November 4, 2025

Just thinking about the unknown can make us feel uncomfortable. For our ancestors, uncertainty often signaled danger. But recent research shows that we are actually wired to handle uncertainty. With the right mindset, we can use it as a tool for growth and creativity.

Why We Don't Like Uncertainty

Our brains tend to interpret uncertainty as a threat. For early humans, this instinct helped them survive. Threats of the unknown included predators, famine, or other dangers.

In today's world, the pace of change and constant stream of information coming at us can intensify the discomfort of uncertainty, making us feel like we've lost our footing. In response, we try to hold on to certainty by clinging to beliefs and what is familiar, even if it doesn't help us. The idea of certainty makes us feel safe.

The Surprising Power of the Unknown

On the flip side, recent research indicates that uncertainty is not just something to endure, it can actually transform our lives for the better.

Maggie Jackson’s book Uncertain explains how embracing uncertainty can open doors to growth, creativity, and connection.

The Benefits of Embracing Uncertainty

Promotes Growth and Resilience

Our brains are designed to adapt to new situations. New experiences help rewire our thinking and strengthen our resilience. The more resilient we are, the better we are able to handle life's stresses and continual change. When we are too attached to certainty, we can become rigid in our thinking and closed to new experiences.

Enhances Creative Thinking

Facing uncertainty is a necessity for creative thinking and innovation. Being curious about the unknown can help us consider a variety of outcomes. In order to come up with new ideas, we need to look past what is known and develop a curiosity for new possibilities.

Boosts Mood and Memory

Starting a new project or activity can boost our mood. As Karyn Hall, Ph. D explains, novelty is important for our brains, to keep us from feeling bored or "stuck in a rut." Experiencing something new releases dopamine in the brain, a chemical associated with motivation and pleasure. Novelty can also improve memory and increase happiness. The sense of adventure that comes with trying something new can lead to greater life satisfaction.

May Improve Social Relationships and Increase Life Span

Research shows that learning new things has been linked to longer life spans, keeping people not only mentally sharp, but connected with others and excited about the possibilities life has to offer.

Uncertainty and the Creative Process

As an artist, I know that uncertainty is part of the process of creation. It can be challenging—that's why so many people get stuck on putting the first stroke of paint on the canvas or staring at the blank page on the computer.

I find the starting to be easy, but there's often a "messy middle" where I'm not sure how a painting is going to be resolved. But that's part of the magic. You can't make something new and different by going about things the same exact way you did before. It's a necessary part of creating.

If you get familiar with uncertainty in your creative work, it can lead to increased resilience in other parts of your life, too.

Conclusion

Getting comfortable with uncertainty is a practice and part of the human experience. Even when all our basic needs are met, change and new situations can still throw us off kilter. But uncertainty is part of life. The more we can embrace what it has to offer us, the better.

How can you approach uncertainty in a more positive way?

Author: Katie Weaver

References:

Siri Myhrom Mindful Magazine: Why Uncertainty Is Good for Us - Mindful April 9, 2024

Karyn Hall Psychology Today: The Magic of Novelty: Why it Matters and How to Embrace It. January 6, 2005.

Maggie Jackson (2023) Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure.

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