I recently watched an interview with Ray Dalio, a guy whose insights I really respect. He said something that really resonated with me: “Knowing how to deal well with what you don’t know is much more important than anything you know.” It got me thinking about my own life, my approach to aging actively, and how embracing the unknown has shaped my journey.

The Power of Thinking for Yourself

Growing up, whenever I made mistakes (and trust me, there were plenty), my dad would say something that always baffled me at the time. Instead of asking for an apology or punishing me outright, he’d calmly say, “I don’t need to hear that you’re sorry. Go think about what happened, then come back and tell me what you think you did wrong.”

At the time, being a kid who wanted quick fixes and instant forgiveness, I found this approach frustrating. Why couldn’t he just tell me what I had done wrong? But looking back now, I realize how transformative his method was. He wasn’t interested in making me feel guilty; he wanted me to develop the ability to reflect, analyze, and take ownership of my actions.

This habit of thinking critically for myself stayed with me into adulthood. While it didn’t always serve me well in school—where rote learning and following instructions were often rewarded—it became invaluable later in life. As I grew older, I realized that blindly accepting information without questioning it could lead to poor decisions. By contrast, cultivating curiosity and independent thought allowed me to navigate complex situations with more confidence.

Ditching the Crowd Mentality

Here’s the thing: predictability bores me silly. Give me a neatly mapped-out path, and I’ll probably yawn my way through it. But toss me into the unknown? Now you’ve got my attention. There’s something about not knowing what’s around the corner that lights me up—curiosity takes over, and suddenly, I’m all in. Yes, it’s not always a pleasant surprise (sometimes it’s more of a “what the heck just happened?” shock), but I’ve found the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Take my foray into novel foods a few years back. I became fascinated with sustainable protein alternatives and decided to pivot my career in that direction. I was all fired up, researching everything I could about cellular agriculture and plant-based proteins. I became an early adopter of Impossible meat and was among the first in Singapore to try lab-grown chicken. I was even interviewed by NHK, Japan’s national broadcasting network!

While I ultimately couldn’t land a job in the industry (“you’re too ahead of your time,” they said, and they didn’t have roles where I was based), I have no regrets. The knowledge I gained was invaluable and positioned me to understand a major shift in how we think about food.

The AI Era: My Latest Adventure

Now I find myself in the midst of the AI revolution, exploring tools and technologies that both excite and intimidate me. There’s so much I don’t know—how these systems work, where they’ll lead us, how they’ll transform our lives and work.

But that uncertainty is precisely what draws me in. Instead of fearing what I don’t understand, I’m approaching it with the same curiosity that’s guided me throughout my life. I’m learning, experimenting, and yes, sometimes failing—but always growing.

As I navigate my 50s, I’m more convinced than ever that Dalio is right. The world is changing too quickly for any of us to rely solely on what we know. Those who thrive will be the ones who can comfortably dance with uncertainty, who see the unknown not as something to fear, but as something to explore.

My father’s lessons all those years ago weren’t just about taking responsibility—they were preparing me for a world where thinking for yourself and embracing uncertainty would become essential skills for an active, engaged life.

Why This Matters for Active Aging

So, what’s the takeaway for us 50+ folks? Active aging isn’t about having all the answers or sticking to the safe and familiar. It’s about staying curious, leaning into the unknown, and trusting ourselves to figure it out as we go. Whether it’s managing our mental health, navigating finances, eating well, or hopping on a plane to somewhere new, the real skill is in how we tackle the gaps in our knowledge. For me, that means thinking for myself, taking leaps, and savoring the ride—even when it’s messy.

What about you? How do you approach the unknown in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.