Researchers at the University of Bath in the UK are working on predicting weather patterns over the next 85 years through the end of the century. Their forecast work is designed to help identify temporary potential temperature variation swings from extreme heat waves to deep cold snaps. These kinds of events cause more weather deaths than tornadoes, hurricanes and all the other more dramatic weather events. Preparation as resilience.

The term “Big Data” is used to describe what sophisticated companies are using to create options for their future. This is what they are using to analyze their reams of data in Bath, but no computer including IBM’s Watson cranks through more information than we do in our mind every day.

Research on predictions suggests that going with our one big idea is almost always a short route to failure. Instead we want to focus on diversifying our information sources to make sure we are getting as much data as we can and then using our own strong analytical capabilities to discern the possibilities.

Start with a simple question: Where do I want my life to be in 1, 3 and 5 years. Then go ahead and start talking to others about your plans and theirs. Dream big and play out different scenarios to see which ones bring a smile to your face and theirs. Plenty of data points in that exercise to draw on to help you predict and create your future.

© Richard Citrin, All rights reserved, 2015