Uncertainty summary

We have just seen that a fear of risk and failure often prevents us from following through with what we want to do. But does it even matter? If you have a nice stable life, why should you take risks anyway?

Because playing it safe can’t offer you the same advantages that taking a gamble does! Anything that has a predictable outcome has probably already been done by someone else. So where’s the fun in that?

We’ve all heard about innovators who continue to invest in new ideas and don’t seem at all phased at the prospect of losing everything. How is it that they can still motivate people to support them, even when there is a slim chance of the gamble paying off?

Uncertainty leads to novelty and innovation. When we push the envelope, it shows that we’re not satisfied with the status quo and that we want things to improve. So if someone is ready to take a risk, it means that they are committed to trying something out.

What do you do when a deadline is approaching? You probably work day and night and push friends, sports and hobbies to the side in order to finish the task at hand. You probably think this helps you get the job done, but giving up these things actually hurts you. Why?

Rituals and routines build consistency and act as certainty anchors. A certainty anchor, such as going to the gym or having coffee with friends, is a stable part of your life which gives you something to rely on. These routines calm us and release us from unimportant decisions, allowing us to focus on our main task.

You might not always welcome what other people have to say, but you can benefit from their opinions.

The judgment we receive from others is a form of feedback, and this is essential to the creative process, as it teaches us how we can improve ourselves or our product.

After learning about the world of uncertainty, let’s look at how we can thrive there. How can we shape our thoughts in order to enhance our focus and creativity?

One technique you can use is Attentional Training (AT), which builds creativity and psychological power. AT involves different methods, but all are linked to strengthening focus and attention, which can help you in both your personal and professional life.

Still not sure if what you’re doing is the right thing? Still scared of failing? Ask yourself if you’re working productively and how your motivation is affecting your work.

You can do this by zooming out, which means looking at your circumstances objectively to help you determine if it’s worth continuing your work.

We all know how crushing the fear of failure feels, so here’s how to do something about it. To break down our uncertainties, we have to develop a growth mind-set.

Most of us have a fixed mind-set, where we believe talent is settled by genetics, and so have a hard time taking on feedback. We give up easily because we think it’s no use, nothing will change.