Our lives depend on our everyday predictions; we predict if we leave our homes at 7:45 A.M., we will make it to class by 8. It’s reasonable a friend will order the same flavor of ice cream they’ve ordered every time. We expect our significant other will make dinner reservations for date night. This is human nature. We develop expectations and calculations about the world around us and, often times, our predictions are right. This is because it’s easy to make predictions about things that are familiar to us.It is paramount to make the most of the college experience.
But there’s a problem with predictability. For instance, we make guesses about other’s behavior, and yet, sometimes people do not do what we expect. When patterns of behavior are broken, it’s a lot harder to predict the future. It’s also much easier to feel panicked, overwhelmed, frustrated, and out of control. I hate to break it to you, but you will feel this at some point during your college experience.
What can you do when your plans don’t pan out? You have a few viable options; you can panic, cry, OR you can do something that will change your response to every curve-ball thrown your way… Here is how to make the most of the college experience.
Embrace the unpredictability.
I know, I know… easier said than done. I, too, am a self-proclaimed control freak, but the freedom and independence you’ll gain when you give into the chaos is surprisingly great. Here are some tips to help you embrace uncertainty during your college years.
Sometimes, the best ideas are born out of spontaneity. I’m not telling you to create unnecessary chaos by putting off a paper until 2 hours before the due date, but don’t allow predictability and perfection to restrict your creativity; embrace chaos and unleash the most creative version of yourself.
The opportunity to meet new people might not be a task you would put on your regimented, predictable schedule, but it is one of the random occurrences that can make your day (if you let it). Although you might be deviating from your schedule, you can make a new friend and maybe learn something new in the process. Remember, when you go to college, almost everyone will be a stranger, so don’t close yourself off to any opportunities to make a friend.
Any preconceived notions and expectations you have should be thrown out of the door. When you form expectations, frustration is sure to follow because more often than not, our expectations are not met. Let go, accept people and experiences for what they are, and appreciate the uniqueness the world has to offer.
Expect plans to change, or just don’t plan at all. When predictions go awry, consider it a wonderful thing. Unplanned things are bound to happen, and when they do, smile; the chaos might be better than the plan you crafted.
When you embrace unpredictability, you open yourself up to an infinite number of possibilities. You also open yourself up to the ultimate freedom. Without the restriction of prediction, you are free to meet anyone, to try anything, to pursue any path, and to be open to the world in front of you. College can be a chaotic time, but if you embrace it, the chaos can be beautiful.
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