Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected
Language: English
Pages: 272
ISBN: 0399169822
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected is a fascinating look at how we can handle and harness surprise in our work, relationships, and everyday lives.
Pop Quiz!
Do you prefer when:
A) Things go according to plan?
B) When the unexpected happens?
Most of us pick control and predictability. Yet research reveals a counterintuitive truth: surprise is the key that unlocks growth, innovation, and connection. It is also the secret ingredient in our best memories.
Through colorful narratives and compelling scientific findings, authors Tania Luna and Dr. LeeAnn Renninger shine a light on the world's least understood and most intriguing emotion. They reveal how shifting our perception of surprise lets us thrive in the face of uncertainty. And they show us how surprise acts as a shortcut that turns a typical product into a meaningful experience, a good idea into a viral one, awkward small talk into engaging conversation, and daily life into an adventure.
can do it on your own. Really. But getting help lets you practice vulnerability while connecting with others, delighting the helper, and maybe even making your life a little easier. ••• CHEAT SHEET ••• CHAPTER FOUR THE BITE-SIZE VERSION Reframe vulnerability as openness rather than weakness. When we let ourselves be vulnerable, we experience life more fully and build deeper connections. Cool is the enemy of growth. Protection is the enemy of connection. Distance is the enemy of influence.
unsteady, flighty, volatile, frivolous, lubricious, fitful, erratic, faithless, flip-flopping, wishy-washy, double-crossing, and even yo-yo. Now take a look at the antonyms list: certain, steady, stable, reliable, consistent, constant, steadfast, faithful, resolute, unyielding, firm, solid, dependable, loyal, trusty, and a rock. The second list brings to mind a powerful oak—its rich leaves flooded with sunshine. The first list leads us to imagine a spineless creature, scuttling into some dank
experience ties together, participants allow themselves to venture farther into the unknown and savor the surprises. A theme, story, topic, question, or even color can work as a red thread. As adults, we tend to think of themes as cheesy—probably because we’ve been to one too many luau- or poker-themed parties. But think about how excited people get about board game nights, TV show season-finale parties, and Super Bowl parties. Even holidays are theme parties at their core. Our fellow surprise
planning, not-knowing (practicing skillful), 85, 89, 97 schemata attention, wielding, 127 creative, getting, 106–7, 111, 114–15 experiences, making, 156 not-knowing, practicing skillful, 90, 91–92, 93, 95 relationships, cultivating, 174, 183 resilience, building, 51–52 Shift Phase (Surprise Sequence Part Three) and, 10–12, 14, 15, 20 vulnerability, reframing, 65–66 world, surprise in the, 34 See also Shift Phase (Surprise Sequence Part Three) Schultz, Wolfram, 139 Schwarz, Norbert,
information that confirms our views and ignore information that challenges them. So if you’re a Republican who believes Democrats are naive and misguided, you’ll read articles and watch shows that paint Democrats in a negative light while staying clear of any evidence to the contrary. Through this ongoing, unconscious process, we protect and fortify our schemata. In other words, we keep the surprise out. The Shift Phase isn’t always immediate or obvious, but even when no change is visible on the