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Thriving Through Uncertainty: Moving Beyond Fear of the Unknown and Making Change Work for You
Tama Kieves--inspirational coach, career transition expert and author of Inspired & Unstoppable --guides you through life's uncertain times, helping you discover the blessings within difficulties .
Tama Kieves knows a thing or two about dramatic changes. After graduating from Harvard Law School with honors, Tama left an unfulfilling life at a prestigious corporate law firm to pursue her passion and make a name for herself as a writer and inspirational speaker. Now, she dedicates her time to helping people face their fears, tackle uncertainty, and shift their mindset to achieve the extraordinary in their own lives. This book isn't just about getting through life changes, it'll teach you to use that change and uncertainty as a launching pad for joy.
Thriving Through Uncertainty proves that the moment your plans fall apart is precisely when your true destiny begins. With Tama's guidance, you can take hold of the blessings and opportunities hidden within uncertain transitional periods and begin to move forward. Weaving together practical exercises and techniques along with anecdotes from Tama's own experiences, you'll master key lessons
-How to control your mindset and mood to stay focused and happy
-Having faith in yourself and your journey
-Allowing yourself to feel pain and discomfort
-Continuing to thrive through future obstacles, and much more.
Packed with heartfelt and dynamic guidance, this supportive, inspiring book will make you feel as if you've attended several sessions with Tama herself.
Tama Kieves knows a thing or two about dramatic changes. After graduating from Harvard Law School with honors, Tama left an unfulfilling life at a prestigious corporate law firm to pursue her passion and make a name for herself as a writer and inspirational speaker. Now, she dedicates her time to helping people face their fears, tackle uncertainty, and shift their mindset to achieve the extraordinary in their own lives. This book isn't just about getting through life changes, it'll teach you to use that change and uncertainty as a launching pad for joy.
Thriving Through Uncertainty proves that the moment your plans fall apart is precisely when your true destiny begins. With Tama's guidance, you can take hold of the blessings and opportunities hidden within uncertain transitional periods and begin to move forward. Weaving together practical exercises and techniques along with anecdotes from Tama's own experiences, you'll master key lessons
-How to control your mindset and mood to stay focused and happy
-Having faith in yourself and your journey
-Allowing yourself to feel pain and discomfort
-Continuing to thrive through future obstacles, and much more.
Packed with heartfelt and dynamic guidance, this supportive, inspiring book will make you feel as if you've attended several sessions with Tama herself.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2018
77 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 7, 2018
This book maybe won't be for everyone (like all self-help, it tends to err on the side of the emotional and spiritual rather than the scientific) but I went in with an open mind and found it illuminating, funny, hopeful and very helpful. If you're, like me, Type A personality who feels anxiety about the unknown, uncertainties and taking risks, whether that's in career, relationships, heath, travel, business, WHATEVER... I think this will be hugely helpful and comforting for you. I will definitely be rereading it very soon so that I can make notes/underlines.
February 24, 2018
In "Thriving Through Uncertainty," Tama Kieves' perspective is positive, encouraging, with a message that celebrates endurance; because, we are all destined for greatness. Ultimately, Kieves believes everything will work out.
In the introduction Kieves suggests that her readers can jump around, in other words skip pages. Many writers make this claim, but it's seldom true. To avoid this problem Tama Kieves structures her book in such a way that makes jumping around as effective as if one read her book chronologically from beginning to end. "Thriving Through Uncertainty" has its chapters separated into sections. At the end of each section is a summary entitled "Turning Points. "
Kieves' amusing anecdotes, which often seem like a peek into her inner random dialogue, makes the challenge to the reader enjoyable despite the hard work of true introspection.
Much of what Tama Kieves says I've heard before, which isn't a criticism, it's just that I've done a lot of therapy and personal growth work. But, sometimes one needs to listen to the stories more than twice to understand both intellectually and emotionally.
In the introduction Kieves suggests that her readers can jump around, in other words skip pages. Many writers make this claim, but it's seldom true. To avoid this problem Tama Kieves structures her book in such a way that makes jumping around as effective as if one read her book chronologically from beginning to end. "Thriving Through Uncertainty" has its chapters separated into sections. At the end of each section is a summary entitled "Turning Points. "
Kieves' amusing anecdotes, which often seem like a peek into her inner random dialogue, makes the challenge to the reader enjoyable despite the hard work of true introspection.
Much of what Tama Kieves says I've heard before, which isn't a criticism, it's just that I've done a lot of therapy and personal growth work. But, sometimes one needs to listen to the stories more than twice to understand both intellectually and emotionally.
May 17, 2018
My Recommendation: Pass. I'm sure there are wonderful nuggets of wisdom in here (she tried to point them out for you - devastatingly so through her "Turning Points"), but ultimately her whole shtick of self-entitlement and privilege that permeated this book bothered me too much and so I didn't take anything from it.
My Response: Another ARC/Galley off the list. Sometimes I wonder why I read these unsolicited books sent by publishers*, but then I remind myself that I'm always trying to expand my views and experience of the world. In this instance I probably should've given up after the first 50 pages because this just wasn't for me even though it was a relatively fast read.
Along the same veins of The Self-Love Experiment I read earlier this year this book just rubbed me the wrong way from the start. I have a lot of ideas why this bothered me below, but I can't put my finger on any one thing. Maybe it's just me being a grump when I read this, but if that were the case you'd think I could use a little enlightenment. Read on to find out why this book irked the hell out of me.
Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.
*I received a copy of Thriving Through Uncertainty from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. No goods or cash were received.
My Response: Another ARC/Galley off the list. Sometimes I wonder why I read these unsolicited books sent by publishers*, but then I remind myself that I'm always trying to expand my views and experience of the world. In this instance I probably should've given up after the first 50 pages because this just wasn't for me even though it was a relatively fast read.
Along the same veins of The Self-Love Experiment I read earlier this year this book just rubbed me the wrong way from the start. I have a lot of ideas why this bothered me below, but I can't put my finger on any one thing. Maybe it's just me being a grump when I read this, but if that were the case you'd think I could use a little enlightenment. Read on to find out why this book irked the hell out of me.
Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.
*I received a copy of Thriving Through Uncertainty from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. No goods or cash were received.
September 4, 2018
Clunky. I mean I get what Tama is saying here, but the style of this book — relying so heavily on “ the universe having your back” ideology is just overkill for me. I did like her sentiment of: just take a chance at whatever it is you want to do.. you have to remind people sometimes yes and that’s important concept — just taking a chance. I respect that. There’s a lot of inspiration here but there’s also this “just embrace the journey” vibe she’s trying to beat into you that just feels overwhelming. Maybe I’m just not in the right headspace, but it’s too much and missing real world advice in my opinion. Something ain’t sitting right. I tried to read it cover to cover and failed opting to read it chunk by chunk — also failed. It was just overwhelming. Maybe I’ll jump back into it one day.
July 21, 2018
One of the most useful and digestible and kind self-help books I’ve read. Very practical, with an edge of spiritual. I’m buying it for all my friends who are going through life transitions (but aren’t we all, almost always, in transition?). I will return to this book again and again.
July 13, 2018
Great, motivational book that I think matches my personality the best I've read so far.
Only complaint was the author quoting herself from past books she wrote. Thought that was a little weird.
Only complaint was the author quoting herself from past books she wrote. Thought that was a little weird.
May 15, 2025
Pass. It took me a year to finish this book. I’m sure there are some helpful tips in this book but they’re mostly all the generic self-help tips that a simple google search could tell you. There are far better self-help books out there with truly valuable information rather than another nobody author who talks about themselves as some kind of special exception that “must” document their life experience and attempt to turn it into some sort of profound, extraordinary, spiritual journey where they have seemingly unlocked a new life hack. It’s all been said and done but better in other books. This author just seemed to put her own twist of entitlement and inflated sense of self into the book.
June 14, 2018
I took my time going through this book because it was so rich with insight and great practices, I wanted to savor them and give them the full attention they deserve.
The author’s message of self-compassion and self-acceptance deeply resonated with me. She acknowledges the desire to push through uncertainty because it’s so uncomfortable - we want answers, and we want them now! -while showing how giving yourself room to breathe gets you through patches of uncertainty so you come out on the other side more centered in your true self than before.
I love how Tama helps you give yourself permission to let who you are becoming reveal itself, rather than skim over the surface of your transformation because you want it to be done, already.
Authentic, poetic and terrific - that’s our Tama! Highly recommended.
The author’s message of self-compassion and self-acceptance deeply resonated with me. She acknowledges the desire to push through uncertainty because it’s so uncomfortable - we want answers, and we want them now! -while showing how giving yourself room to breathe gets you through patches of uncertainty so you come out on the other side more centered in your true self than before.
I love how Tama helps you give yourself permission to let who you are becoming reveal itself, rather than skim over the surface of your transformation because you want it to be done, already.
Authentic, poetic and terrific - that’s our Tama! Highly recommended.
March 30, 2019
I Did Not Finish this one; the introduction alone took me a good twenty minutes to finish. I then started on the first chapter but I was barely into the first five pages of that first chapter when I noped out of there. I find the text unappealing and tedious to get through. Furthermore, the bit about prayer of the tired just REEKS of spirituality, assuming I had finished this. I could be wrong about the spirituality (but considering another reviewer also echoed similar sentiments....).
March 25, 2019
A nice book with great anecdotes and wonderful advice. My favorite tidbit - a sense of overwhelm is a dire lack of self-love. And...it's true. If you're overwhelmed and can't catch a breath, it's probably because you're not putting yourself first. I love that. Definitely interested in reading more of Tama's work.
January 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book as I struggling with anxiety and panic disorders. One of the biggest things I wanted to learn, was how to thrive through uncertainty and not be so scared when I’m not in control. The author gives a beautiful message and incorporates spirituality and her own personal findings throughout her life experiences. I also found that although this self help book isn’t specifically about anxiety, i was still able to connect it to that. Your personal problems that you are struggling with can be connected to the chapters in this book which is something I enjoyed.
Great read!!!
Great read!!!
July 7, 2020
I love this book and the unstoppable amount of clarity it was written in. Tama is truly an inspired teacher that has done her work and continues to share the gifts of the Universe. I got so much out of this book and really feel that I am truly "Thriving". Thank you
October 26, 2020
Easy to read. I like the exercises and reminders at the end of each chapter. Well written and easy to follow!
I’d recommend to anyone in transition or making a life decision. I love that she summarizes each chapter at the end.
I’d recommend to anyone in transition or making a life decision. I love that she summarizes each chapter at the end.
June 7, 2025
Tama Kieves offers an approachable way to view change and uncertainty in a different manner. She has a positive, upbeat way of relating to her readers. I have read other books by her and really enjoy her writing style as well as her messages.
July 1, 2019
So much love for this book. You can feel Tama jump off the page with her wit and deep wisdom.
Want to lead a deeper, more creative life? Let Tama support you.
Want to lead a deeper, more creative life? Let Tama support you.
October 24, 2019
Hard pass. Thought I’d get “Road less travel” by Peck, or Brene Brown research, but ended up with fluffy motivational hype.
February 18, 2020
Fantastic! Exactly what I needed to hear.
September 12, 2020
Tama is brilliant!
June 26, 2021
I really loved this book. It really helped me to come out of uncertainties, and it helped me to change the way I think.
January 15, 2025
Great book to read first thing in the morning to set a good mindset for the day.
January 9, 2024
Self help books just aren’t my thing.
August 25, 2020
My first lucky introduction to Tama Kieves was through her 2019 interview on Gaia that I've watched just a few days ago.
"Oh, great!", - I sighed with fatigue at the start of the interview. - "Another follow-your-dreams guru"...
But I continued listening, and so glad I did!!! Tama's sincerest, honest perspectives and insights were the answer to my burning questions and frustrations. She is definitely NOT "another one of those" annoying motivational speakers and personalities who share definitive prescriptions for career success all over youtube and other platforms. After almost a year of job searching, contemplating career path changes and going through dozens of publications, videos, and TED talks on the subject of "finding purpose and meaning" (in the context of jobs/careers), I've developed an aversion to most know-it-all "experts" and their advice that is often disconnected from reality in general and definitely has limited or no connection to my reality...
Tama is different. She is very much connected (spiritually and on a real human AND humane level too), honest and inspiring through her authenticity. Her insights about living an inspired life where success is not defined by conventional measures resonated with me deeply. Even before the interview has ended, I had purchased her book "Thriving Through Uncertainty".
Especially in the first part of the book, Tama's writing reminded me of my own thoughts on steroids :) Positively emotional, with many terms of endearment, adjectives and personal examples that certainly add emotional coloring and are intended to help drive the main points, but there are a lot of them, so... I can see how folks who process information and inspiration in a more reserved manner, would not be able to appreciate such delivery method. But I wish more people at a crossroads would give this book a chance.
The writing style and choice of words make much more sense after one has a chance to experience Tama's workshops (Wow!)
And, the book gets more substantial and focused as it progresses, but most importantly, it is relatable (at the core of each example, not necessarily in all the specifics) and genuinely compassionate throughout. It can gently guide you to the place of allowing yourself to JUST BE. No pressure, no prescriptions, no "shoulds". Just the magic of lovingly embracing uncertainty. And THAT's where miracles happen.
Honestly, one doesn't even need to read the book from cover-to-cover. Tama herself suggests to "let the spirit guide you" (figuratively speaking, not a quote) to a page that will hold a message for you. The book is structured so that one can start/pick-up the reading from any page.
For me, it is just the right book with the right messages that came exactly when I needed them most. Even the courage of Tama's authentic "not for everyone" writing and communication style is in itself a brilliant example of being beautifully honest and true while embracing the uncertainty and thriving through it. Compelling and helpful.
"Oh, great!", - I sighed with fatigue at the start of the interview. - "Another follow-your-dreams guru"...
But I continued listening, and so glad I did!!! Tama's sincerest, honest perspectives and insights were the answer to my burning questions and frustrations. She is definitely NOT "another one of those" annoying motivational speakers and personalities who share definitive prescriptions for career success all over youtube and other platforms. After almost a year of job searching, contemplating career path changes and going through dozens of publications, videos, and TED talks on the subject of "finding purpose and meaning" (in the context of jobs/careers), I've developed an aversion to most know-it-all "experts" and their advice that is often disconnected from reality in general and definitely has limited or no connection to my reality...
Tama is different. She is very much connected (spiritually and on a real human AND humane level too), honest and inspiring through her authenticity. Her insights about living an inspired life where success is not defined by conventional measures resonated with me deeply. Even before the interview has ended, I had purchased her book "Thriving Through Uncertainty".
Especially in the first part of the book, Tama's writing reminded me of my own thoughts on steroids :) Positively emotional, with many terms of endearment, adjectives and personal examples that certainly add emotional coloring and are intended to help drive the main points, but there are a lot of them, so... I can see how folks who process information and inspiration in a more reserved manner, would not be able to appreciate such delivery method. But I wish more people at a crossroads would give this book a chance.
The writing style and choice of words make much more sense after one has a chance to experience Tama's workshops (Wow!)
And, the book gets more substantial and focused as it progresses, but most importantly, it is relatable (at the core of each example, not necessarily in all the specifics) and genuinely compassionate throughout. It can gently guide you to the place of allowing yourself to JUST BE. No pressure, no prescriptions, no "shoulds". Just the magic of lovingly embracing uncertainty. And THAT's where miracles happen.
Honestly, one doesn't even need to read the book from cover-to-cover. Tama herself suggests to "let the spirit guide you" (figuratively speaking, not a quote) to a page that will hold a message for you. The book is structured so that one can start/pick-up the reading from any page.
For me, it is just the right book with the right messages that came exactly when I needed them most. Even the courage of Tama's authentic "not for everyone" writing and communication style is in itself a brilliant example of being beautifully honest and true while embracing the uncertainty and thriving through it. Compelling and helpful.
January 8, 2025
I learned a lot about myself while reading this book - especially when I looked at the sentences I highlighted to remember for later. I also enjoyed the exercises she includes, many of which I'll continue to go back to. I struggle with uncertainty pinning me in place and this book has helped me to either sit with the discomfort or journal my way through it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews