Opportunity Drive… sounds like something that would be on one of those motivational posters. You can picture the bright green sign with bold white text denoting the ambitious name of this street. Well, Opportunity Drive does exist in a business park that I drive past on my commute into the office every day. Over the years, I’ve seen many businesses come and go. I’ve witnessed multiple expansions of the same space and other buildings being repurposed for new uses. One of the first businesses that was built was Creative Memories. Creative Memories rode the Scrapbook fad that took over in the early 2000s. That space is now cold storage.

Don’t worry; I’m not planning to give a dissertation on the history of Opportunity Drive here, but it does serve as a great lesson on risk and ambiguity. Many people will tell you that the first step toward anything is the most difficult. So, what made those businesses take that first step? Research shows that people overwhelmingly opt for certainty, regardless of whether it is in the present or the future or whether it pertains to gains or losses. In part, for the same reason that people don’t reliably save for retirement, eat healthily, or exercise three times a week. Our willpower diminishes when the outcome is ambiguous. I mean, will one more plate of fries really matter?

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

-T.S. Eliot

Embracing ambiguity and being comfortable with uncertainty can be liberating, fostering adaptability and resilience in navigating life’s complexities. Those unafraid of ambiguity are often willing to make decisions and take risks, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than threats. Such individuals understand that progress frequently requires venturing into the unknown and are willing to step outside their comfort zones to pursue their goals. By embracing ambiguity, they cultivate a mindset of curiosity and exploration, allowing them to thrive in dynamic environments where change is constant and innovation is paramount.

I joke some days that I may have to take the exit to see what lies on Opportunity Drive. Coming home from the office today, I noticed a building for lease. Are you ready?