Ambiguity Forever

When prompted, ChatGPT defined “tolerance for ambiguity” (TfA) as “the capacity to withstand the fluctuations and chaos brought on by a problem that cannot be clearly defined.” Yes, that sounds right. Perhaps we’re all thinking more about ambiguity these days—along with upheaval and uncertainty. Disruption was once something we were told to admire, and in some ways, we still can…until we find ourselves on the losing end of it. At s&b, we recommend learning not just to tolerate ambiguity, but to embrace it—especially in the evolving landscape of 2025. TfA is a trait shared by artists and other creativeproblem solvers. It’s part of what allows them to navigate towards insight.

smith & beta’s workshops and seminars offer a safe space to explore your place in a shifting world. In class, we work on real, work-related problems—building both the skills and confidence needed to meet change with curiosity rather than fear. Yes, weembrace AI and remote learning. But we also value in-person work: the kind that’s messy with strewn supplies, filled with laughter, and driven not just by solving problems—but by finding them.

Our humanity is what we must harness if we’re going to use AI tools wisely, shape the future intentionally, and participate fully in the challenges and possibilities of the year ahead.

Next Week: Taking the Temperature, Capturing Emotions.

Fun Quote: “Leap, and the net will appear.” —John Burroughs

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