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The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown
A science-backed guide for navigating and thriving through uncertainty—based on interviews and insights from world-renowned leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives.
Whether you're searching for courage to start a new project, change careers, launch a business, develop an idea, or reinvent yourself after a disappointment or life change, you will face uncertainty—that ambiguous and uncomfortable state that often makes us feel confused, anxious, and afraid to act. Though these moments are difficult, they offer opportunities for personal growth, innovation, and creativity.
In The Upside of Uncertainty, INSEAD professor Nathan Furr and entrepreneur Susannah Harmon Furr provide a sweeping guide to embracing uncertainty and transforming it into a force for good. Drawing from hundreds of interviews, along with pioneering research in psychology, innovation, and behavioral economics, Nathan and Susannah provide dozens of tools—including mental models, techniques, and reflections—for seeing the upside of uncertainty, developing a vision for what to do next, and opening ourselves up to new possibilities.
In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, uncertainty is on the rise. We face it every day. But few of us have been taught the techniques to navigate it well. The Upside of Uncertainty provides the inspiration, tools, and strategies you need to thrive through the inevitable plot twists in your life and career.
Whether you're searching for courage to start a new project, change careers, launch a business, develop an idea, or reinvent yourself after a disappointment or life change, you will face uncertainty—that ambiguous and uncomfortable state that often makes us feel confused, anxious, and afraid to act. Though these moments are difficult, they offer opportunities for personal growth, innovation, and creativity.
In The Upside of Uncertainty, INSEAD professor Nathan Furr and entrepreneur Susannah Harmon Furr provide a sweeping guide to embracing uncertainty and transforming it into a force for good. Drawing from hundreds of interviews, along with pioneering research in psychology, innovation, and behavioral economics, Nathan and Susannah provide dozens of tools—including mental models, techniques, and reflections—for seeing the upside of uncertainty, developing a vision for what to do next, and opening ourselves up to new possibilities.
In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, uncertainty is on the rise. We face it every day. But few of us have been taught the techniques to navigate it well. The Upside of Uncertainty provides the inspiration, tools, and strategies you need to thrive through the inevitable plot twists in your life and career.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2022
148 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 2, 2022
The American born British Petroleum industrialist, Jean Paul Getty once said: “Without the element of uncertainty, the bringing off of even, the greatest business triumph would be dull, routine, and eminently unsatisfying.” The husband-and-wife duo of Nathan and Susannah Fur, both intrepid researchers, in their upcoming book, “The Upside of Uncertainty”, embellish Getty’s contention by not just arguing about a slew of advantages that the negatively perceived feature of uncertainty can otherwise bestow on us, but also providing a practically implementable “tool kit” to make uncertainty an able ally. Even though what the duo offer is old wine, the bottle is not just new and shiny. There are lots of takeaways that can be gleaned from the book.
The authors premise their theories by using an “uncertainty first aid cross” as the primary tool. Resembling the commonly found red cross symbol, the uncertainty first aid cross consists of a set of four tools. The Northernmost end of the cross is titled “Reframe”; the Southernmost end of the cross is called “Sustain”; and at the Western and Eastern ends of the cross lie, “Prime” and “Do” respectively. Each of these tools in turn are made up of various elements/components.
The primary objective of “Reframing” is to undertake a paradigm shift towards the very notion of uncertainty. Instead of acting like a Cassandra mulling over doomsday, it would be better to reframe our perceptions governing uncertainty that would enable us to identify its upshots. A few techniques that would aid and assist us in this endeavour would be reverse insurance, a practice that makes us aware of the fact that an element of uncertainty is in fact a blessing; Regret minimization: working out backwards all options available to minimis the possibilities of later regret; Aplomb: transforming self-doubt from foe to friend etc. Clare and David Hieatt, the founding couple of the Howies Brand of clothing found themselves at the crossroads when after acquiring their brand, Timberland refused to toe the philosophy that had characterised Howies, pre-acquisition, which led to the Hieatts exiting the company. However, Clare & David used uncertainty to their advantage by converting the quaint town of four thousand people. Called Cardigan in Wales into the premier manufacturing hub for Denim Jeans that has at its core tenet, the notion of sustainability.
Urban designer and architect Rob Adams transformed Melbourne from a haphazard concoction of streets into one of the most ‘liveable’ cities in the world. Adams brought redundant buildings to life, redeveloped Swanston Street as a pedestrian-friendly street, created a new riverfront park called Birrarung Marr from under-used rail sidings, and repurposed the CH2 building to make it first purpose-built office building in Australia to achieve a maximum Six Green Star rating with passive heating and cooling, power generation and blackwater treatment.
The arsenal of tools encompassing the “Prime” method, prepares the doer to take up projects that mean something to her. Personal Real Options imparts the value of having a portfolio of both certain and uncertain projects; Dumbo Feathers are people, places and things that helps us develop wings and soar high; Runways and Landing Strips represent money and time that enable ideas to take off and the networks that offer new opportunities. Fait Sur Mesure exhorts us to lead life made to our measure instead of blindly following someone else’s plans. Roald Dahl held on to his day job at Shell Oil until his writing career took off. Similarly, Anthony Trollope held a job with the postal services for decades, concentrating on writing his famous books between 5.30 – 8.30 every morning. Mastering gallows humour also helps one overcome many a tribulation. In the words of singer Leonard Cohen, “a sideways glance at the gathering clouds while one is still sipping tea in the garden…There is an amortization of burden when we share a heavy load.”
The tools “Do” and “Sustain”, enable unlocking the rewarding possibilities hidden in and by uncertainty and remind us to pivot when things turn pear shaped, respectively. The creator of Ruby on Rails and Basecamp, David Heinemeier Hanson, is a serial entrepreneur who was once served an infringement notice by Apple (a dispute in which David ultimately prevailed over Goliath). Hanson detests outcome-based goals terming them ‘oppressive’. He argues for pursuing goals based on values than staying focused on goals. Y Combinator, the American technology start-up accelerator, hosts a weekly dinner for its participants. At these dinners, successful entrepreneurs describe their triumphs and failures, in addition to mentoring the participants. Graduating companies from the fabled Y Combinator stable include Airbnb, Dropbox, and GitHub.
“The Upside of Uncertainty” is full of these splendid examples, include some poignant ones involving the authors themselves. For example, the uncertainties the authors faced when one of their children came out as a transgender while another went through a severe bout of depression, bears ample testimony to not just the authors’ resilience but their genuineness and authenticity. They truly practice what they preach. This authenticity is also apparent from the number of interviews which the duo has conducted before embarking on the ambitious endeavour of writing this book. The book is worth reading for the real-life examples alone!
“The Upside of Uncertainty” also sets out at the end of every Chapter, simple exercises and experiments (both thought and physical) that encourages sustained transformation attempts. Titled “Reflection and Practice” these are sturdy companions to the principles contained within the book.
“The Upside of Uncertainty” – antidote to ambiguity.
(The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown – Nathan Furr & Susannah Harmon Furr is published by Harvard Business Review Press and will be available for sale from the 19th of July 2022 onwards. Thank You Net Galley for the Advance Reviewer Copy)
The authors premise their theories by using an “uncertainty first aid cross” as the primary tool. Resembling the commonly found red cross symbol, the uncertainty first aid cross consists of a set of four tools. The Northernmost end of the cross is titled “Reframe”; the Southernmost end of the cross is called “Sustain”; and at the Western and Eastern ends of the cross lie, “Prime” and “Do” respectively. Each of these tools in turn are made up of various elements/components.
The primary objective of “Reframing” is to undertake a paradigm shift towards the very notion of uncertainty. Instead of acting like a Cassandra mulling over doomsday, it would be better to reframe our perceptions governing uncertainty that would enable us to identify its upshots. A few techniques that would aid and assist us in this endeavour would be reverse insurance, a practice that makes us aware of the fact that an element of uncertainty is in fact a blessing; Regret minimization: working out backwards all options available to minimis the possibilities of later regret; Aplomb: transforming self-doubt from foe to friend etc. Clare and David Hieatt, the founding couple of the Howies Brand of clothing found themselves at the crossroads when after acquiring their brand, Timberland refused to toe the philosophy that had characterised Howies, pre-acquisition, which led to the Hieatts exiting the company. However, Clare & David used uncertainty to their advantage by converting the quaint town of four thousand people. Called Cardigan in Wales into the premier manufacturing hub for Denim Jeans that has at its core tenet, the notion of sustainability.
Urban designer and architect Rob Adams transformed Melbourne from a haphazard concoction of streets into one of the most ‘liveable’ cities in the world. Adams brought redundant buildings to life, redeveloped Swanston Street as a pedestrian-friendly street, created a new riverfront park called Birrarung Marr from under-used rail sidings, and repurposed the CH2 building to make it first purpose-built office building in Australia to achieve a maximum Six Green Star rating with passive heating and cooling, power generation and blackwater treatment.
The arsenal of tools encompassing the “Prime” method, prepares the doer to take up projects that mean something to her. Personal Real Options imparts the value of having a portfolio of both certain and uncertain projects; Dumbo Feathers are people, places and things that helps us develop wings and soar high; Runways and Landing Strips represent money and time that enable ideas to take off and the networks that offer new opportunities. Fait Sur Mesure exhorts us to lead life made to our measure instead of blindly following someone else’s plans. Roald Dahl held on to his day job at Shell Oil until his writing career took off. Similarly, Anthony Trollope held a job with the postal services for decades, concentrating on writing his famous books between 5.30 – 8.30 every morning. Mastering gallows humour also helps one overcome many a tribulation. In the words of singer Leonard Cohen, “a sideways glance at the gathering clouds while one is still sipping tea in the garden…There is an amortization of burden when we share a heavy load.”
The tools “Do” and “Sustain”, enable unlocking the rewarding possibilities hidden in and by uncertainty and remind us to pivot when things turn pear shaped, respectively. The creator of Ruby on Rails and Basecamp, David Heinemeier Hanson, is a serial entrepreneur who was once served an infringement notice by Apple (a dispute in which David ultimately prevailed over Goliath). Hanson detests outcome-based goals terming them ‘oppressive’. He argues for pursuing goals based on values than staying focused on goals. Y Combinator, the American technology start-up accelerator, hosts a weekly dinner for its participants. At these dinners, successful entrepreneurs describe their triumphs and failures, in addition to mentoring the participants. Graduating companies from the fabled Y Combinator stable include Airbnb, Dropbox, and GitHub.
“The Upside of Uncertainty” is full of these splendid examples, include some poignant ones involving the authors themselves. For example, the uncertainties the authors faced when one of their children came out as a transgender while another went through a severe bout of depression, bears ample testimony to not just the authors’ resilience but their genuineness and authenticity. They truly practice what they preach. This authenticity is also apparent from the number of interviews which the duo has conducted before embarking on the ambitious endeavour of writing this book. The book is worth reading for the real-life examples alone!
“The Upside of Uncertainty” also sets out at the end of every Chapter, simple exercises and experiments (both thought and physical) that encourages sustained transformation attempts. Titled “Reflection and Practice” these are sturdy companions to the principles contained within the book.
“The Upside of Uncertainty” – antidote to ambiguity.
(The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown – Nathan Furr & Susannah Harmon Furr is published by Harvard Business Review Press and will be available for sale from the 19th of July 2022 onwards. Thank You Net Galley for the Advance Reviewer Copy)
April 23, 2024
If you, like me, dislike talking businessly, don’t worry. This book is about so much more. There are so many principles in The Upside to Uncertainty that apply to creative life of all kinds. It’s super motivating and I highly recommend it.
January 15, 2024
2023-11-11:
Excellent book to be reviewed 5/5 stars
Title: “the upside of uncertainty - a guide to finding possibility in the unknown”
Authors: Nathan Furr, Susannah Harmon Furr (2022)
Published by Harvard business review press
2024-01-15:
This book offers many helpful mindsets for handling change and tolerating uncertainty. In changing times there are big opportunities.
Some concepts
Adjacent possible - paying greater attention like when Joseph Lister discovered that using antiseptics reduced mortality rate after major operations from 40% to less than 3% saving as many lives as were lost in all the wars in the 19th century.
Possibility quotient likelihood of enabling positive change, and transformation
Memento mori (remind yourself that life is finite)
Values vs goals p 149 (it’s worth striving for values)
Cognitive flexibility and an “attitude of wisdom”
Regret minimization
Small steps - what if I tried something completely different for 48 hours?
Pivot = how to change course (and personal transformation)
Bricolage = getting started with what you have
Experimenting - like Fuller
Reframing: avoid binary thinking
ask yourself:
(1) is your negative belief true? Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
(2) how do you react? What happens when you believe that thought?
(3) who would you be without that thought?
(4) could the opposite of your original thought be as true as, or even truer, than the original thought?
you can apply these questions in any situation that feels like failure, joblessness rupture for relationship, diagnosis of illness and so forth. Great questions.
“ Adjacent possible also revealed themselves when we question assumptions. Vicky Saunders, a successful executive, recalls discovering this as a young woman living in Europe when the Berlin wall came down. She jumped on a train to Prague, where every sentence was, ‘now that I’m free. I’m going to do this. Now that I’m free I’m going to do that’. Every person was dreaming… it was absolutely intoxicating. Amid the elation, Saunders suddenly thought, Oh, my God! I’m free, too! What am I going to do? When she reframed her own situation, it allowed her to re-create myself, helping her see new and bolder options. I ended up staying for four years, and it completely change my life, she concludes. 34
“This may be no better illustrated than by the life of Buckminister Fuller, who suffered a series of defeats that left him, contemplating taking his own life. After getting kicked out of Harvard twice, he married, and then cofounder a company, only to be pushed out of that same company a few years later after losing his three year old daughter to spinal meningitis. With no job prospects and a second baby on the way, he wondered the streets of Chicago, thinking of drowning himself so his family could at least collect the life insurance payments. Then, in an inspirational flash, he considered a shadowy what if adjacent possible he described in almost religious terms, rather than giving in to despair, and despite his powerless position, what if he tried his best to simply change the world for the better. From that starting conviction, fuller, went on to write more than 30 books, register more than two dozen patents, the geodesic dome, and influence tens of thousands as a thought leader for reinventing the future.” 37
Ask:
How burned out are you?
How lost do you feel?
How much have you given up on your dreams?
How hard is it for you to change?
How depressed or anxious are you?
How much of pessimist are you?
How difficult is it for you to clearly imagine what you want?
(Srini Pillay) page 25
“ if you have been avoiding risk and uncertainty at all costs, your possibility quotient will be low.”
Adjacent possible ask the following:
1) what am I curious about? How can I delve deeper into that curiosity?
2) what do I belong to do if I rank ordered the list, which would be persistent and recurring?
3) what do I care about? What am I already involved with that begs for more of my attention for greater change?
4) what interactions or processes that I am part of feel inherently broken? which might be open to change that I could affect?
5) what are the skills and talents I have? could I use them in new ways?
Excellent book to be reviewed 5/5 stars
Title: “the upside of uncertainty - a guide to finding possibility in the unknown”
Authors: Nathan Furr, Susannah Harmon Furr (2022)
Published by Harvard business review press
2024-01-15:
This book offers many helpful mindsets for handling change and tolerating uncertainty. In changing times there are big opportunities.
Some concepts
Adjacent possible - paying greater attention like when Joseph Lister discovered that using antiseptics reduced mortality rate after major operations from 40% to less than 3% saving as many lives as were lost in all the wars in the 19th century.
Possibility quotient likelihood of enabling positive change, and transformation
Memento mori (remind yourself that life is finite)
Values vs goals p 149 (it’s worth striving for values)
Cognitive flexibility and an “attitude of wisdom”
Regret minimization
Small steps - what if I tried something completely different for 48 hours?
Pivot = how to change course (and personal transformation)
Bricolage = getting started with what you have
Experimenting - like Fuller
Reframing: avoid binary thinking
ask yourself:
(1) is your negative belief true? Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
(2) how do you react? What happens when you believe that thought?
(3) who would you be without that thought?
(4) could the opposite of your original thought be as true as, or even truer, than the original thought?
you can apply these questions in any situation that feels like failure, joblessness rupture for relationship, diagnosis of illness and so forth. Great questions.
“ Adjacent possible also revealed themselves when we question assumptions. Vicky Saunders, a successful executive, recalls discovering this as a young woman living in Europe when the Berlin wall came down. She jumped on a train to Prague, where every sentence was, ‘now that I’m free. I’m going to do this. Now that I’m free I’m going to do that’. Every person was dreaming… it was absolutely intoxicating. Amid the elation, Saunders suddenly thought, Oh, my God! I’m free, too! What am I going to do? When she reframed her own situation, it allowed her to re-create myself, helping her see new and bolder options. I ended up staying for four years, and it completely change my life, she concludes. 34
“This may be no better illustrated than by the life of Buckminister Fuller, who suffered a series of defeats that left him, contemplating taking his own life. After getting kicked out of Harvard twice, he married, and then cofounder a company, only to be pushed out of that same company a few years later after losing his three year old daughter to spinal meningitis. With no job prospects and a second baby on the way, he wondered the streets of Chicago, thinking of drowning himself so his family could at least collect the life insurance payments. Then, in an inspirational flash, he considered a shadowy what if adjacent possible he described in almost religious terms, rather than giving in to despair, and despite his powerless position, what if he tried his best to simply change the world for the better. From that starting conviction, fuller, went on to write more than 30 books, register more than two dozen patents, the geodesic dome, and influence tens of thousands as a thought leader for reinventing the future.” 37
Ask:
How burned out are you?
How lost do you feel?
How much have you given up on your dreams?
How hard is it for you to change?
How depressed or anxious are you?
How much of pessimist are you?
How difficult is it for you to clearly imagine what you want?
(Srini Pillay) page 25
“ if you have been avoiding risk and uncertainty at all costs, your possibility quotient will be low.”
Adjacent possible ask the following:
1) what am I curious about? How can I delve deeper into that curiosity?
2) what do I belong to do if I rank ordered the list, which would be persistent and recurring?
3) what do I care about? What am I already involved with that begs for more of my attention for greater change?
4) what interactions or processes that I am part of feel inherently broken? which might be open to change that I could affect?
5) what are the skills and talents I have? could I use them in new ways?
March 24, 2024
DNF 27%
December 19, 2022
Thanks NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review,
In the midst of uncertainty, how do you get certain? Humans grasp and cling to the narrative that we have control... but do we? The Upside of Uncertainty is poetic summary of how to thrive through change.
As a budding leader in tech, I found this book helpful for dealing with the ambiguity and holding onto the upside. Love the combination of science and storytelling. Did find to be dense in some areas, had to put down and come back.
In the midst of uncertainty, how do you get certain? Humans grasp and cling to the narrative that we have control... but do we? The Upside of Uncertainty is poetic summary of how to thrive through change.
As a budding leader in tech, I found this book helpful for dealing with the ambiguity and holding onto the upside. Love the combination of science and storytelling. Did find to be dense in some areas, had to put down and come back.
August 13, 2022
The world is becoming increasingly uncertain with sustainability and geopolitical challenges, and disruptive technologies that also helps us solve many of our problems.
To handle uncertainty is both a business and a personal problem.
I have followed professor Nathan Furr's research and inspiring books on innovation. This book by Nathan and his wife and entrepreneur Susanna Harmon Furr demonstrates how 1+1 becomes 3.
I love the intriguing title the Upside of uncertainty- A guide to finding the Possibility in the Unknown. As so much is driving us to think negative about uncertainty and the future, this book is the lighthouse we all need.
The book is easily read, partly due to the clarifying framework shared as Reframe, Prime, Do and Sustain, where Reframe and Sustain are the Thinking dimension and Prime and Do is the Acting dimension.
What i especially like are the tools described under each dimension that exemplifies how each dimension can be handled.
Each tool includes furthermore reflection and practice that makes this a wonderful workbook that is worthy of any leaders time as it does just give you input , it makes your start your own transformation.
I find this an absolute must read for every leader and board member to help find hope, optimism and solutions.
Highly recommended!
To handle uncertainty is both a business and a personal problem.
I have followed professor Nathan Furr's research and inspiring books on innovation. This book by Nathan and his wife and entrepreneur Susanna Harmon Furr demonstrates how 1+1 becomes 3.
I love the intriguing title the Upside of uncertainty- A guide to finding the Possibility in the Unknown. As so much is driving us to think negative about uncertainty and the future, this book is the lighthouse we all need.
The book is easily read, partly due to the clarifying framework shared as Reframe, Prime, Do and Sustain, where Reframe and Sustain are the Thinking dimension and Prime and Do is the Acting dimension.
What i especially like are the tools described under each dimension that exemplifies how each dimension can be handled.
Each tool includes furthermore reflection and practice that makes this a wonderful workbook that is worthy of any leaders time as it does just give you input , it makes your start your own transformation.
I find this an absolute must read for every leader and board member to help find hope, optimism and solutions.
Highly recommended!
July 19, 2022
Uncertainty is an important concept, and as a leadership or entrepreneurship professor, I mention it often. Yet, uncertainty surface in every path of life, and it remains scary for most people. As "prediction animals," humans naturally hate unpredictable situations.
This book shines by demonstrating how to deal positively with the unpredictable aspect of life, and that one can even thrive in uncertainty. It is wonderfully researched and written. I love the very modern construction, mixing stories, conceptualization then finally practical examples.
Even though such style allows for quick reading if interested, it is extremely comprehensive hence it may call for slow reading. In the right hands and with the right intention, some can use it as an overarching life guide, probably to great success.
It is a book I wish I had been offered when starting my adult life. Or that it be offered to every parent, as it provides a blueprint for the blossoming of humans in the face of life uncertainties.
One can sense that the authors have gone through their share of hardships. Yet, they not only overcame them, but thrived by metabolizing a wealth of life principles that arose from their families, their culture, their educations and their experiments. The result is the consistent, positive and pragmatic corpus embodied in this book. Thanks guys, really!
This book shines by demonstrating how to deal positively with the unpredictable aspect of life, and that one can even thrive in uncertainty. It is wonderfully researched and written. I love the very modern construction, mixing stories, conceptualization then finally practical examples.
Even though such style allows for quick reading if interested, it is extremely comprehensive hence it may call for slow reading. In the right hands and with the right intention, some can use it as an overarching life guide, probably to great success.
It is a book I wish I had been offered when starting my adult life. Or that it be offered to every parent, as it provides a blueprint for the blossoming of humans in the face of life uncertainties.
One can sense that the authors have gone through their share of hardships. Yet, they not only overcame them, but thrived by metabolizing a wealth of life principles that arose from their families, their culture, their educations and their experiments. The result is the consistent, positive and pragmatic corpus embodied in this book. Thanks guys, really!
January 22, 2025
The concepts in the book are fine, but I'm shocked by the examples in Chapter 4 when abelist statements like "Mobility devices emphasize the disability" and "Alink set about designing a device "so cool that it overcomes the discomfort other people have with the disability"" - The book goes on to praise a solution that makes a disabled person "fit" into pre-disabled world (otherwise known as masking).
This is known as the medical model of disability, and is one that should be anathema in society. We should be more alike the World Health Organisation, who state (in line with the social perspective):
"A person’s environment has a huge effect on the experience and extent of disability. Inaccessible environments create barriers that often hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society on an equal basis with others."
(In other words, if the table is to high, lower the bloody the table)
Environments are bad, not people with disabilities or their mobility devices. If you don't like looking at disabled people, that's a "you" problem. Wheelchairs, canes, screen readers and crutches are all symbols of a person's independence, and they have a right for that.
This is known as the medical model of disability, and is one that should be anathema in society. We should be more alike the World Health Organisation, who state (in line with the social perspective):
"A person’s environment has a huge effect on the experience and extent of disability. Inaccessible environments create barriers that often hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society on an equal basis with others."
(In other words, if the table is to high, lower the bloody the table)
Environments are bad, not people with disabilities or their mobility devices. If you don't like looking at disabled people, that's a "you" problem. Wheelchairs, canes, screen readers and crutches are all symbols of a person's independence, and they have a right for that.
August 15, 2022
Making choices in ambiguous situations is the subject of this book. It offers strategies for handling both worthwhile and unfavorable situations of uncertainty that still occur to us. It redefines uncertainty as the specter of potential. The writers refer to “the upside of uncertainty” as believing, discovering, and embracing the possibility that comes with every unknown. The book offers readers a variety of skills to help them deal with life’s uncertainties. It is a practical book since the chapters are brief and include tasks for thinking about and using each tool. The methods discussed in the book are mostly cognitive, which means they are concerned with how you interpret the outside environment. It may be highly beneficial to readers’ understanding of the idea of uncertainty regardless of their educational background or level of education.
February 23, 2024
As an entrepreneur I can say this one was the most important thing I have read so far. Doesn’t matter marketing, sales, techies stuff, etc. if your mind is blurred and full of shit it becomes so hard to transit between states and moments.
I loved when Susan assumed the narration describing her view on Natan’s moments of grief. I was impressed because both of them researched so much and delivered to publisher on time.
Ok, I learned here lots of things; downsizing my expectations, deal of competition (with others and me), sharpen decision making by removing fears. If once I rationalized about losing, after this I only see gains. I liked the view on resilience but even more the view on transilience.
Definitely is a work that I’ll have to read again and gain.
Thanks to the authors.
I loved when Susan assumed the narration describing her view on Natan’s moments of grief. I was impressed because both of them researched so much and delivered to publisher on time.
Ok, I learned here lots of things; downsizing my expectations, deal of competition (with others and me), sharpen decision making by removing fears. If once I rationalized about losing, after this I only see gains. I liked the view on resilience but even more the view on transilience.
Definitely is a work that I’ll have to read again and gain.
Thanks to the authors.
January 21, 2024
Saya selalu meyakini, bahwa keputusan apapun yang saya ambil dari diantara pilihan, pada akhirnya masing-masing menyimpan masalahnya, tantangannya, ujiannya, pertanyaannya, dan segala macam konsekuensinya.
Berhentilah berandai-andai ketika kita sudah bulat atas satu keputusan. Dan belajarlah bertanggung jawab. Sebab nyatanya hidup memang seperti itu. Kita selalu buta akan hari esok, tapi kita bisa merasakan arah angin membawa awan kemana hari ini.
Semakin kita terbiasa belajar untuk mengambil keputusan dan menerima konsekuensinya, kita akan semakin terampil menjalani hidup. Lebih bijak. Lebih adil memandang situasi.
Berhentilah berandai-andai ketika kita sudah bulat atas satu keputusan. Dan belajarlah bertanggung jawab. Sebab nyatanya hidup memang seperti itu. Kita selalu buta akan hari esok, tapi kita bisa merasakan arah angin membawa awan kemana hari ini.
Semakin kita terbiasa belajar untuk mengambil keputusan dan menerima konsekuensinya, kita akan semakin terampil menjalani hidup. Lebih bijak. Lebih adil memandang situasi.
December 19, 2022
Thanks NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review,
In the midst of uncertainty, how do you get certain? Humans grasp and cling to the narrative that we have control... but do we? The Upside of Uncertainty is poetic summary of how to thrive through change.
As a budding leader in tech, I found this book helpful for dealing with the ambiguity and holding onto the upside. Love the combination of science and storytelling. Did find to be dense in some areas, had to put down and come back.
In the midst of uncertainty, how do you get certain? Humans grasp and cling to the narrative that we have control... but do we? The Upside of Uncertainty is poetic summary of how to thrive through change.
As a budding leader in tech, I found this book helpful for dealing with the ambiguity and holding onto the upside. Love the combination of science and storytelling. Did find to be dense in some areas, had to put down and come back.
March 4, 2023
Uncertainty, courage and magic are the three words that remained in my head after reading this book. Airbus full of interesting examples, tools, practical exercises an reflection. What is uncertainty in your real situation? How will you deal with something that happens to you in life and/or business? In many cases we are led by guy feelings what would be the right thing to do and this book can help with tools and ideas. I found it engaging in the way of applying to my own life situations. Putting something you learn into practice can drive new results and magic.
March 15, 2023
I found the earlier chapters most helpful for navigating uncertainty which is all about the mindset we have when facing uncertainty. I did appreciate the structure of the book with four different sets of tools to navigate phases/stages of uncertainty. Like most professional/personal development books, it tends to go on and on. I also liked how the authors interwove their own personal examples through the boom with examples of others. It was helpful to see them address a challenge from start to finish throughout the book.
November 10, 2025
Overall, the book offered valuable insights and nuggets of wisdom throughout.
Bottom line: Reframe uncertainty as possibility. Prime yourself—and the uncertainty—with knowledge, research, and supportive people. Face it with flexibility, curiosity, and regular value and perception checks. Sustain your forward movement and manage uncertainty through reality checks—considering both worst- and best-case scenarios—anchored by a strong belief in yourself. Lots of common-sense material. Recommended for the beginning entrepreneur or young person just starting their journey in life.
Bottom line: Reframe uncertainty as possibility. Prime yourself—and the uncertainty—with knowledge, research, and supportive people. Face it with flexibility, curiosity, and regular value and perception checks. Sustain your forward movement and manage uncertainty through reality checks—considering both worst- and best-case scenarios—anchored by a strong belief in yourself. Lots of common-sense material. Recommended for the beginning entrepreneur or young person just starting their journey in life.
November 13, 2022
I am glad to have read this book and will come back to it in the years to come as I witness uncertainty. I did feel like there was a lot of information to absorb in the mere 270 pages which was a bit overwhelming to read all at once. If I had the patience, I'd work through it like a work book.
I also found the authors relating back to their own lives which weren't the most relatable until the back quarter of the book. It was all worth it for that section though.
I also found the authors relating back to their own lives which weren't the most relatable until the back quarter of the book. It was all worth it for that section though.
March 10, 2023
Lots of good practical ideas about how to face uncertainty, including attitude, planning for what you can plan for, mapping out the best and worst scenarios, creating sustainability, and how to handle competitive environments or competitions. I especially appreciate the situations which were discussed from medical, financial, emergency, and when change is implemented. From work to home, career to personal, this book will have something from which everyone can learn.
September 30, 2022
HAPPY 50th BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR ME!
Really enjoyed this book and how relevant it was for me. I went searching for a read when I just wanted things to make sense and my anxiety was over the top. While I listened to this on my library's audio app, I plan to purchase a physical copy so I can flip back to tools when necessary.
Really enjoyed this book and how relevant it was for me. I went searching for a read when I just wanted things to make sense and my anxiety was over the top. While I listened to this on my library's audio app, I plan to purchase a physical copy so I can flip back to tools when necessary.
June 22, 2022
In a word, this is excellent. It brings together many, many ideas that are helpful and/or powerful. While there's essentially nothing new presented, it is still a great set of tools for self-exploration. Recommended.
September 25, 2022
What an eye opener. A must read in this VUCA World that we now live in.. a guide for facing uncertainty in the most positive manner to attain the upside of it... Thank you Nathan & Susannah Furr for this beautifully articulated book...
April 11, 2025
This book is very long. The concepts are good and also useful but the chapters are filled with examples that do not directly tie to that concept. Some concepts are also repeated in multiple chapters. It feels exhaustive to get to the end. It could have easily been a 120-150 page book.
August 15, 2022
A fantastic read, it's going to require a follow-up read.
There's something Great in this book, I hope I can capture it.
There's something Great in this book, I hope I can capture it.
January 3, 2025
While many topics in this book can be found in other similar titles, the authors’ vulnerability about their own journeys particularly stands out to me.
February 26, 2025
below average book
April 13, 2025
A MUST READ REFERENCE!!!!
May 17, 2025
A very interesting read. Covers many different elements of uncertainty and how to navigate it well.
June 15, 2023
So this is basically like they read a bunch of books and are summarizing them for you in each chapter. Hard to know what here is new vs regurgitated
January 2, 2025
4★: PROBABLY BETTER AS WRITTEN WORDS, NOT AUDIO. The timing was perfect in my life for this content, but my brain couldn’t retain their 30+ tools so it would be nice if someone wrote an article or blog with a list (which I will check for next). The book also had Reflection & Practice activities at the end of most chapters. And, if you went with Audible, you get the Accompanying PDF— but alas, I listened to a library copy where such luxuries are not afforded 🤪. The authors mentioned their website in the book, but again, I was thwarted:
Speaking of the authors (plural), both are listed on the cover of the book, but Goodreads and Amazon only list Nathan (boo!) I will submit a correction for GR. Normally this doesn’t hit my radar but it’s clear that it’s written in Susanna’s voice (even though they annoyingly mixed terms saying “our” and also her own name “Susanna’s.”)
Most other reviewers shelved this book as Business and/or Leadership, but I think it had far more personal stories and applications than work. I loved that it included COVID pandemic stories of uncertainty, which made it even more timely and relevant.
One somewhat jarring inclusion was ELON MUSK being used as a positive example several times. Albeit for SpaceX and Tesla, not Twitter. I’m sure by the time the authors got closer to publication, it would’ve cost them too much to go write him out. What they wrote still holds true, but it gave me a case of cognitive dissonance lol. An abbreviated timeline, because (1) my curiosity couldn’t let it go, and (2) I’m down for processing random cultural dumpster fires today:
Back to the book. The 30+ tools are grouped into four categories: Reframe, Prime, Do, Sustain. I learned from the A>Z preview that the printed book also contains figures that I missed in the audio version. The nine tools in the Reframe section are: (1) Framing, (2) Reverse Insurance, (3) Frontiers, (4) Adjacent Possible, (5) Infinite Game, (6) Stories, (7) Regret Minimization, (8) Aplomb (Doubting Self-Doubt), and (9) Uncertainty Manifesto. BTW, you can read the chapters on the first four tools in the A>Z sample. I’m likely going to buy or borrow a printed copy.
As of now, this book has a 4.01★ rating by 107 peeps (not twits).
Infected web resource detected
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[theupsideofuncertainty dot com]
Speaking of the authors (plural), both are listed on the cover of the book, but Goodreads and Amazon only list Nathan (boo!) I will submit a correction for GR. Normally this doesn’t hit my radar but it’s clear that it’s written in Susanna’s voice (even though they annoyingly mixed terms saying “our” and also her own name “Susanna’s.”)
Most other reviewers shelved this book as Business and/or Leadership, but I think it had far more personal stories and applications than work. I loved that it included COVID pandemic stories of uncertainty, which made it even more timely and relevant.
One somewhat jarring inclusion was ELON MUSK being used as a positive example several times. Albeit for SpaceX and Tesla, not Twitter. I’m sure by the time the authors got closer to publication, it would’ve cost them too much to go write him out. What they wrote still holds true, but it gave me a case of cognitive dissonance lol. An abbreviated timeline, because (1) my curiosity couldn’t let it go, and (2) I’m down for processing random cultural dumpster fires today:
■4/5/22: Musk buys more than 9% of Twitter’s shares.
■4/13: Musk offers to buy Twitter for $44B; No pill, poison or otherwise, would deter him.
■4/25: Twitter accepts offer
■5/13: Musk put deal on hold; battle over bots ensues
■7/12: Twitter sued Musk to force his $44B acquisition
■7/19: This book was published
■7/29: Musk countersues; trial is set for 10/17
■10/4: Musk resubmits offer to avoid trial; Twitter declines. The judge gave them until the end of the month to settle
■10/27: The sale is completed (aka “The bird is freed”); the CEO, CFO, and the head of legal policy, trust and safety all departed (unclear whether they jumped ship or were fired.) Musk officially becomes the “Chief Twit.”
■11/3: Musk began sweeping layoffs which would eventually amount to half of the 7,500-person payroll.
■11/20: After a ~24-hour Twitter poll that had 15M voters, 45’s account was reinstated by a margin of 543,076 twits (51.8% in favor and 48.2% opposed).
■11/21/22-5/16/23: Chaos, chaos, and more chaos.
■5/17: A Pew Research survey says 60% of users have taken a break from Twitter in the past year. The consensus seems to be that Twitter 2.0 TOTALLY SUCKS. Thanks Elon!
Back to the book. The 30+ tools are grouped into four categories: Reframe, Prime, Do, Sustain. I learned from the A>Z preview that the printed book also contains figures that I missed in the audio version. The nine tools in the Reframe section are: (1) Framing, (2) Reverse Insurance, (3) Frontiers, (4) Adjacent Possible, (5) Infinite Game, (6) Stories, (7) Regret Minimization, (8) Aplomb (Doubting Self-Doubt), and (9) Uncertainty Manifesto. BTW, you can read the chapters on the first four tools in the A>Z sample. I’m likely going to buy or borrow a printed copy.
As of now, this book has a 4.01★ rating by 107 peeps (not twits).
August 27, 2024
My most frustrating experience of reading a book is when I need to spend time reading words, lines, paragraphs, pages without any meaningful progress in the content. This book could have been a tenth of what it is, if the authors didn't spend so much space in just citing examples, with little relevance to the subject. The core ideas are tucked at the end of each chapter, and that's easily evidenced by much lesser number of examples that they expect the reader to go through.
Overall, one could just read those chapter summaries and be done with the book. However, some of them didn't even seem relevant to this topic of uncertainty - which is why this goes to the bottom rung in my ratings.
Overall, one could just read those chapter summaries and be done with the book. However, some of them didn't even seem relevant to this topic of uncertainty - which is why this goes to the bottom rung in my ratings.
July 19, 2022
THE UPSIDE OF UNCERTAINTY by Nathan Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr is a unique, powerful combination of science, philosophy, logic, history, psychology, and everything poetic, thoughtful and human unified with storytelling. Complex ideas are summarized succinctly, clearly, and memorably so that my newly educated self can more thoughtfully and effectively work, love, and live. This book is the one to bring to that proverbial desert island once you've handled the basic necessities of life. With it, I can move mountains, dream bigger, and live a happier, more productive life. My deepest respect and appreciation to this gifted, generous couple in sharing stories of their own struggles and triumphs and the treasures they've discovered on their journeys. I received an early copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.
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