"توقع غير المتوقع وعندما يكون ذلك ممكنًا كن أنت غير المتوقع"

Life is full of surprises, right? You never really know what's around the corner. The main idea here is about being prepared for those surprises and, even better, becoming a surprise yourself. It’s about embracing uncertainty and turning it to your advantage.

Imagine this: You're planning a beach day. You check the weather, pack your sunscreen, and head out. Suddenly, it starts raining. Instead of spoiling your day, you should've packed a board game or a book for just such a scenario. That’s expecting the unexpected—being ready for the rain even on a sunny day. Now, flip the script. What if you showed up at your friend’s beach party with a surprise pizza delivery? You’d be the unexpected, the one who brings that extra bit of joy and spontaneity.

This phrase has roots in various philosophies and strategies. Ancient military leaders like Sun Tzu emphasized the element of surprise in warfare. Think of it like this: armies would prepare for all possible attacks—but the greatest leaders would also strike where least expected. In our times, it's more about personal adaptation and creativity.

Take, for example, the story of Airbnb. The founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, were struggling to pay rent. Instead of just finding another job, they saw an opportunity when a big design conference came to town. Hotels were full, and attendees needed a place to stay. They rented out air mattresses in their apartment and provided breakfast. That’s expecting the unexpected—seeing the opportunity in a challenge. Then, they turned it into a business model, surprising the world by revolutionizing the travel industry. They became the unexpected.

Now, let’s bring it down to something you can use in your daily life. Think about your job. What if you started preparing reports before anyone asked for them? Or what if you learned a new skill that could help your team in unforeseen ways? You’re not just doing what’s required; you’re anticipating needs and exceeding expectations.

Here's some practical advice: always keep a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C). If you’re presenting to clients, have backup slides ready in case of technical issues. In personal relationships, surprise your loved ones with little acts of kindness—like a handwritten note or an impromptu dinner. It’s all about looking beyond the obvious and adding a touch of ingenuity.

Okay, let’s put this into a relatable scenario. Picture this: you're part of a team working on a critical project. You've got your tasks, everyone’s doing their part, but then a sudden market change threatens to derail everything. While everyone else scrambles, you pull out a contingency plan you’d prepared. Not only does this save the project, but it also positions you as a vital team member.

Or, think about a surprise birthday party. You plan every detail, but what if the guest of honor arrives late? Instead of panic, you could have a game or activity lined up to keep everyone entertained. Then, when they finally show up, you’ve also got a surprise performance from their favorite local band. Now you’ve managed the unexpected and created a memorable experience by being unexpected.

Remember, life loves to throw curveballs. You can't predict every swing, but you can always be ready to hit them out of the park—or surprise everyone with an unexpected home run. It’s about staying agile, being resourceful, and above all, keeping a sense of adventure. So next time you face the unexpected, embrace it. And then, when no one’s looking, be the unexpected.