How to Be Awesome at Your Job

911: Making Uncertainty your Friend with Maggie Jackson

Oct 30, 2023

Maggie Jackson, award-winning author, and journalist, discusses the power of uncertainty and how it enhances learning. She shares strategies for managing the fear of uncertainty and explores the benefits of embracing uncertainty for personal growth. The podcast also highlights the invigorating effects of cold weather swimming and the power of conflict and dissent in teamwork.

43:16

Episode guests

Maggie Jackson

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Uncertainty enhances learning by prompting the brain to be more receptive to new information and fostering a state of heightened awareness and focus.

Embracing uncertainty leads to growth and learning, as it encourages exploration, curiosity, and the willingness to question assumptions.

Deep dives

The Power of Embracing Uncertainty

Uncertainty is often seen as aversive and unsettling, but it actually enhances learning and cognitive function. When faced with uncertainty, the brain enters a state of heightened awareness and focus, making it more receptive to new information. Uncertainty prompts us to pause, break away from routine thinking, and explore new possibilities. The discomfort of not knowing is a valuable opportunity to grow and learn. Embracing uncertainty allows us to develop adaptive expertise and be more open to diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving.

Introduction

2min

Embracing Uncertainty and Finding Resilience

17min

The Power of Not Knowing

2min

The Power of Conflict and Dissent in Teamwork

19min

Tools for Honesty and Boundaries for Focus

2min

Embracing Uncertainty as a Gift for Learning and Growth

2min

Maggie Jackson talks about the power of uncertainty and how to harness it.

— YOU’LL LEARN —

1) How uncertainty enhances learning.

2) How to manage the fear of uncertainty.

3) How routine can hold us back.

Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep911 for clickable versions of the links below.

— ABOUT MAGGIE —

Maggie Jackson is an award-winning author and journalist. Her new book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure (Nov. 2023) explores why we should paradoxically seek not-knowing in times of flux. The book’s been nominated for a National Book Award, Uncertain is a Next Big Idea Club “must read.” Jackson’s prior book, Distracted (2nd ed., 2018), sparked a global conversation on the steep costs of fragmenting our attention and won the 2020 Dorothy Lee Award. A former Boston Globe columnist, Jackson has written for the New York Times and other publications worldwide. Her work has been covered extensively in the global press.

• Book: Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure

• LinkedIn: Maggie Jackson

• Twitter: @Maggie8Jackson

• Website: Maggie-Jackson.com

— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW —

• Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

— THANK YOU SPONSORS! —

• BetterHelp. Get a break from your thoughts with online therapy. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/awesome.

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