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Ignorance a bliss?
We daily think about the future. Even though, we plan trips or watch the weather forecast. When it comes to your personal future, it appreas that we as humans are still reluctant. At least according to recent research.
As result of “The secret of not wanting to know” (February 2017) a recent psychological research got published on how people reflect on the future
When it comes to the future, ignorance really may be bliss.
A survey among residents, that includes Spain and Germany, gave a clear idea of how people feel about the future. The vast majority of people do not want to think about possible negative scenarios about their own future. Because this regards nothing else than organisations. But it was also striking that the majority does not want to think about the possible positive scenarios. We are living in the present, and that is of course just fine. But sometimes it is not that otiose to think about what we want and how we are going to achieve it. After all, these activities determine the path to the future. Study showed only 1% of the participants want to know what the future holds. Bad news for diviners and futurists. Also Extend Limits was plunged into mourning by the news.
Eventually, the investigation found out that people who are afraid of the risks also tend to opt for ignorance. The older people get, the less they like to think about death. Again, this seems logical. Other studies indicated that the principle of so-called ‘anticipated regret’ makes people think less about the future. They are afraid that, regardless the outcome, they regret their choice. We choose not to think about it.
Fortunately, things are not that black and white as a lot of people within organisations are currently printing. But from an organisation’s point of view, it will be safer. It does not hurt you personally. Think and reflect on your personal future is just important. Just like a software update that helps you with thinking about your future and determining your personal update. Ignorance is sometimes a blessing, but not always when it comes to your personal life. Happily, we can not predict the future, but we can anticipate. That is what should be considered when we think in terms of scenario planning. And it is not only essential for organisations. It is also essential for everyone as individuals.
More information about future perspectives for organisations? contact Extend Limits.
