I recently read an article about coping with change and uncertainty by Maggie Jackson. She suggests that her daily ritual of swimming in the ocean every morning, a pattern she developed during the pandemic, made her more resilient to the challenges or stress brought about by change and uncertainty. When we encounter something new or unexpected, stress hormones flood the brain, and we frantically look for answers and some resolution. We can panic, withdraw, freeze up, or press into the troubling situation. If one has the proper mindset our cognitive system works diligently to update outdated understandings. Not-knowing interrupts our current program of action and, if allowed, neurotransmitters boost the mind’s receptivity to new information. Jackson argues swimming in the ocean with its churning waves, shifting currents, various weather conditions, and potential encounters with sea creatures trained her to deal with changes and uncertainties in a more productive way.
Throughout her explanation I couldn’t help but draw parallels between swimming in the ocean and designing a project. Designers are constantly being thrust into different worlds that they know little about. The project may be in a country, city or community with which they are unfamiliar. Many projects begin with a new client, team, municipality and program. You undoubtably are given unrealistic budgets and timelines. When I start a new project, the only thing keeping me from losing my mind is knowing that I have successfully navigated similar situations before. The more times you go through the process of being overwhelmed the more comfortable and confident you get at navigating the stresses, uncertainty and unforeseen shifts that inevitably occur. Designers that are attuned and prepared for the uncertainties make better decisions. They realize that every new project is an invitation to learn — an opportunity to be curious, explore and press into the unknown.