You Never Know

For many of us, life becomes predictable. The alarm rings at the same time every morning. Breakfast looks the same day after day. We go to the same job, visit the same restaurants, and stick to familiar weekend routines.

Even for those who seek variety, much of life tends to follow patterns—until something changes. A sudden shift or a major life event can disrupt the rhythm. And yet, through all this routine, there’s always an air of uncertainty. Nothing is guaranteed.

We know that life can change in an instant. Loved ones can be taken from us unexpectedly. Jobs can be lost, and health can decline without warning. Despite this, we often cling to our familiar routines, seeking comfort in what we know.

I’ve noticed something curious about my own mindset over time. When I was struggling, I was optimistic about change. I saw it as an opportunity for something better. Now, I tend to anticipate change as a source of pain or loss.

In my book, You Can’t Surf from the Shore, I talk about this duality. Life holds both joy and sorrow, triumphs and challenges. We want to separate the good from the bad—to embrace one and avoid the other. But the truth is, they’re intertwined. We can’t have one without the other.

The key is learning to live fully, regardless of what changes may come. Whether the next shift brings joy or heartbreak, it shouldn’t stop us from chasing what we want or living a meaningful life. The hard reality is that we can’t control everything. Challenges will always be part of the journey, waiting around the corner.

This natural balance teaches us an important lesson: we, too, must find balance.

Should we save every penny for the future? Or live recklessly, as if there’s no tomorrow? The answer lies somewhere in between. With a systems and habits approach to improvement, we can build this balance into our lives.

Systems allow us to align our daily activities with the future we want while still appreciating the present. They help us find ways to sacrifice for what’s ahead without neglecting the joy and opportunities of today.

By doing this, we create a life that thrives—both now and in the future. It might require moderation. It might call for sacrifice. But this balance enables us to live fully, even amidst uncertainty.

Because while we may never know what’s coming, we can be ready to embrace it—whatever it may bring.