“One thing the last 20 years has taught us is that the unpredictable is more predictable than the predictable.”
— Rahm Emanuel
I came across the quote above in an interview with Rahm Emanuel in the Financial Times last week. Emanuel, who also served as Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff and Mayor of Chicago, was reflecting on the chaos of global politics and business over the past two decades.
His point about unpredictability struck a chord with me.
When you think about the last decade alone, the list of previously “unthinkable” events is staggering:
- Brexit
- A Trump presidency
- A global pandemic
- The war in Ukraine
- The rise of AI and its massive disruption across industries
- The huge influence of someone like Elon Musk on business and politics
- The incredible explosion in podcasts and their influence on mindsets, opinions and ideas
- Massive escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict
The list could go on. And yet, here we are, navigating through it all.
The reality is, humans crave predictability.
We like to believe that tomorrow will look a lot like today, just slightly better.
Business thrives on predictability, too—forecasts, plans, strategies all depend on things staying steady and consistent.
But here’s the truth:
Stability is now the exception, not the rule.
Uncertainty is the default setting of the world we now live in.
So the real question becomes:
What’s your Unpredictable Readiness Level (URL)?
(And yes, I’ve just made this term up)
How ready are you—really – not just to survive the unexpected, but to embrace it with a view to seeing the opportunities hidden inside?
– Because no matter what happens, there is always an opportunity.
Naturally, there is usually pain also, but pain takes on a different perspective when you can see something of benefit down the line, by pushing through it.
We take on the pain of exercise because we see a future gain.
This mindset is difficult to cultivate, but it’s not impossible, and it requires three things:
- Agility – The ability to pivot when the ground shifts beneath you.
- Curiosity – A willingness to see the bigger picture, ask questions, and stay open to possibilities.
- Resilience – The mental, emotional and spiritual strength to stay grounded and centred when chaos arrives.
These are all ‘inner skills’ which is why most of my work with people is in this area. Crack them and the downstream ripply effect is immediate and hugely impactful on stress levels, creative solutions and improved decision making.
Please consider this for the coming year and into the next decade:
Within unpredictability lies the chance to create, innovate, and grow in ways you never thought possible. This is true in all aspects of your life.
We live in times when impossible things are happening more and more. And maybe you can play a role in that? There’s every reason why you can create your impossible within the unpredictability.
So, this week perhaps consider these questions:
- What would it take for you to be ready for the unpredictable?
- Where can you begin training your mind to look for opportunities, no matter the circumstances?
- What one step can you take today to raise your “URL”?
Best,
Shane
P.S. One way to increase your URL is to join me for MindShift which starts 18th February. Outcomes from the program include more clarity, energy, focus, balance and improved sleep. But it also includes improved URL – the ability to respond better to unpredictability.
Most people interested will say they’re too busy. The truth is, if that’s you, you’ll always be too busy. This program will change all that for the better.
Most participants don’t expect this program to be as impactful as it is.
Make 2025 a year of transformation. Details here.
The Inner Edge Podcast – Most Recent Episode:
Ep 215: The Hidden Sleep Trap – The Saboteur Within
Listen on my website here or on all major podcasting platforms.
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My special one-off talk,Win in 2025, can still be accessed. If you’re looking for powerful and authentic ideas to enhance your clarity and fulfilment this year, it’s worth tuning into it. Detailshere.
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