We all have internal drivers that determine the frame of reference through which we operate. Some of these are conscious, while others are subconscious.
Did you ever wonder why some people are risk-takers while others rarely step out of their comfort zone? Certainly, genetics and environmental factors play an essential role. As in all things in life, we must balance taking risks and not doing so.
Certainty vs Uncertainty
What serves us the most is having a balance between certainty and uncertainty. However, there is a wide divergence along the spectrum whereby some people are so stuck on making sure that everything is certain, while others––the risk takers––are infused with uncertainty, and they love it.
Certainty can make life boring while it does keep one more secure, maintaining predictability and comfort. Meanwhile, uncertainty can be exciting, unpredictable, risky and stressful. At the same time, it can give you an adrenaline rush, and perversely, uncertainty can release endorphins and dopamine, which is part of the Brain's Reward System.
What can be risky can actually result in addictions.
What is an addiction? It is a continuous, compulsive action, whether physical or mental. People can be addicted to almost anything. The most common ones in society are:
drugs
food
sex
alcohol
gambling
shopping
exercise
All these activities work in our pleasure centres. In the same way, dangerous pursuits such as skydiving, racing or storm chasing can give intense pleasure and, to some degree, a disconnect from everyday reality. I can speak to the activity of storm chasing.
It's something my wife and I have done for over 20 years. People would often look at us askance when we mentioned storm chasing. It's interesting that while some consider it so dangerous, especially near tornadoes, they would get as far away as possible, others get so hooked that they take several months each year to roam the plains of America with radar onboard to search for what are sometimes elusive storms.
In the image above, the peacefulness of the cows grazing belies the danger of the tornado in the background.
Ideally, we want to have a blend of certainty and uncertainty. If we keep wishing to maintain our lives in a fixed pattern, we will always stay in our comfort zone. Sometimes we need to leave our comfort zone to grow and develop. If we live in a world of uncertainty and throw caution to the wind, we can rapidly run into strife.
The following principle is one of the most important in determining how our behaviour shapes our lives.
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