Expect the Unexpected: A New Perspective

We’ve all heard the saying “expect the unexpected,” usually as a warning for things going sideways. But what if we flipped that script? What if we thought of the unexpected not as a looming disaster but as a doorway to something better than we ever imagined?

Research suggests this mindset shift might not be so far-fetched. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that people who embrace uncertainty with curiosity rather than fear are more resilient and report higher levels of happiness. It turns out that not knowing what’s around the corner can make life more exciting—and even joyous—if we let it.

That job you didn’t get might lead you to a dream opportunity you didn’t even know existed. The trip that didn’t go as planned? It’s now your favorite story to tell. Life’s detours often bring surprises we couldn’t have planned for—ones that end up being better than what we originally had in mind.

So instead of bracing for the worst when life throws a curveball, try leaning into the possibilities. The unexpected isn’t always a setback; it can be an adventure, a breakthrough, or the start of something extraordinary. Next time the unexpected arrives, ask yourself: what if this turns out even better than I imagined? Spoiler alert—it just might.