Be Happy That You Don’t Know All the Answers

By Julie Isphording

No one has all the answers. No one knows what they’re doing. We’re all searching, all learning and all discovering who and where and what we’re meant to be. 

You’re not wrong for feeling clueless, for feeling like you don’t have it all figured out — that’s not reality. Life doesn’t work that way. Life is supposed to be challenging, confusing, heartbreaking and breathtaking. It’s supposed to be a string of lessons and memories, supposed to be an adventure. And this is good.

There are so many unknowns in this world, so much change, so many situations and events to come, so much to learn and unlearn. These moments will propel us forward and they will drag us backwards. They will send us in hundreds of different directions. Everyone is doing the best they can. When they can do better, they will. And this is good, too.

If you knew everything, then you wouldn’t experience all the surprises of life — REAL life. It would be methodical and boring. Life wouldn’t have the ups and downs and the in-betweens. Life wouldn’t make us cry, wouldn’t make us laugh and wouldn’t mold us into outrageously wonderful people.

Be happy that you don’t know all the answers. 

What does the term “imposter syndrome” mean?

It’s when you have a feeling of phoniness and believe that you are not intelligent, capable, creative or kind. You are motivated to achieve, but you’re worried that you’ll be discovered as a fraud.

Imposter syndrome is stunningly common — 70 percent of people will experience these feelings at some point in their lives. Often, people who feel like imposters limit themselves from exploring new opportunities, seeking friendships and finding adventures — limits that can be devastating for executives.

The famous poet, Maya Angelou was adored by millions. Even so, she often felt like an imposter. “I have written 11 books but each time I think ‘Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now,’” she once said. “‘I’ve run a game on everybody and they’re going to find me out.’”

How do you know when you’re full?

You really don’t! Or rather, you find out too late. Try to stop eating when you’re at a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 — where #1 is super hungry and #10 is when you unbuckle your pants! When you stop at 5, chances are that 20 minutes later, you’ll feel like a 7 or 8. This fun tactic is great for parties and vacations — and saves lots of calories and regrets.

Is it a bad sign if your doctor doesn’t seem too busy with appointments? 

No. Here’s why:

• Type of practice:

Specialist vs. General Practitioner: Some specialists have fewer patients than general practitioners (GPs), especially if they focus on niche areas of healthcare. 

Private Practice vs. Group Practice: Doctors in private practices may have more flexible schedules, while those in group practices or hospitals might be part of a larger system with different dynamics. A busy or slow day could simply depend on the office’s structure.

• Time of Day or Week: 

If you’re visiting during off-peak hours, it’s common for the office to be quieter. 

• Quality of Care

A less busy doctor might be able to spend more time focusing on your individual case, which could be a positive thing. Some patients prefer a doctor who isn’t rushing through appointments, and this may allow for more thorough consultations and a higher quality of care.

• New or Small Practice

If your doctor is newer to the area or has a small practice, they might not yet have a full schedule of patients. This could be a temporary situation, and their patient load could increase over time.

• Efficiency and Streamlining

The doctor may have streamlined their practice to be more efficient, allowing them to work with fewer appointments and still manage their time effectively. A doctor who runs an organized, efficient practice can often see fewer patients without compromising quality.

What are the top 5 addictive foods?

1. Sugar

Why it’s addictive: Sugar, especially refined sugar, has been shown to activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, which creates a pleasurable feeling. This can lead to a cycle of cravings and overconsumption.

Common foods: Soda, candies, baked goods, ice cream.

2. Chocolate

Why it’s addictive: Chocolate contains a combination of sugar, fat and compounds like caffeine and theobromine, which can stimulate the brain’s pleasure centers. The sugar and fat content can also make it a high-reward food.

Common forms: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate bars, chocolate desserts.

3. Pizza

Why it’s addictive: Pizza is often rich in fat, sugar and salt, which creates a highly palatable combination that stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain. It also often contains cheese, which has casein, a protein that can act like an opioid and trigger feelings of pleasure.

Common types: Pepperoni pizza, cheese pizza, deep-dish pizza.

4. French Fries and Potato Chips

Why it’s addictive: These foods are typically high in both fat and salt, which can trigger pleasure and satisfaction signals in the brain. The combination of crisp texture and saltiness makes it easy to overeat.

Common forms: Regular potato chips, fries and other fried snacks.

5. Ice Cream

Why it’s addictive: Ice cream is a combination of sugar, fat, and dairy, all of which can trigger the brain’s reward system. The rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor make it particularly tempting.

Common flavors: Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and more complex combinations with swirls and toppings.

Olympian Julie Isphording is the director of the Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race, an author, and loves to keynote speak. Her talks on living a happy life include unforgettable props, lots of laughter, and a few tears. Write to her at julie.isphording@gmail.com.