The Upside of Upheaval

If you’re like many people, you’re feeling whiplashed by change and worried about the future. 

In addition to the political change the U.S. is experiencing, we are also in a technology super-cycle, according to Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute and professor at the NYU Stern School of Business. Webb notes that the convergence of artificial intelligence, wearable devices and biotechnology has created massive and ongoing change. Imagine if the steam engine, electricity and internet emerged all at once — that’s the type of super-cycle of change we are in!

And yet, a silver lining behind all the change — political as well as technological — is that we are living in immensely interesting times. There are some major benefits to that, according to Lorraine Besser, PhD, and author of “The Art of Interesting: What We Miss in Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It.” 

Besser notes that there are three pillars to a good life — purpose, pleasure and psychological richness. This last one often is overlooked. But emerging research shows that experiences that captivate and engage our minds play a significant role in living a rich and full life, according to Besser.

These psychologically rich experiences don’t have to be pleasant to be impactful. Besser says you can find "the interesting" in even the darkest times. Focusing on what's intriguing or curious about a situation won't necessarily make you happier, but it might help you get through it. For example, if you find yourself getting unnerved by news headlines, viewing the stories as “interesting” and a sign of the extraordinary times we are in may ease the burden.

Of course, living in volatile times is not the only way to make life interesting. You also can enrich your experience by making small changes aligned with your interests. “The Art of Interesting” provides easy-to-implement ideas to help people engage their hearts and minds, improving their wellbeing in process.  Check it out!

Find more information, including tips for increasing psychological richness, at The Next Big Idea Club magazine.