How to navigate uncertainty with confidence: lessons from Terry Pratchett, Indiana Jones, and a career in games. Find clarity, purpose, and growth.
The first proper book I remember finishing was Terry Pratchett’s The Colour of Magic, the start of his brilliant Discworld series. Reading didn’t come easily to me as a child, so when I finished the book in a little over a day while home sick from school, it felt like a triumph. That moment ignited a love of reading, and I devoured the rest of the series as fast as Pratchett could write them.
Around the same time, I was falling in love with films. They were easier to grasp than books and just as exciting, and I grew up watching them during what I consider the best decade to be a budding film fan: the 1980s.
I am many things, but among them, I am a product of these two passions. They help shape my creativity, my outlook, and my way of approaching challenges—and they still do. Sometimes, that connection comes back in unexpected ways, especially when life feels uncertain.
Right now, uncertainty is something I’ve been reflecting on a lot. Whether it’s navigating the evolving games industry, embracing personal growth, or simply planning for the future, uncertainty has a way of throwing us all off balance. During these moments, I’ve been reminded of two voices from my childhood: Granny Weatherwax from the Discworld series and Indiana Jones. They make for an odd dream team, but I’ll take it.
Knowing What You Are
“I ain’t lost. Just temporarily misplaced. And all the maps in the world won’t help if you don’t know what you are.” — Witches Abroad, Terry Pratchett.
Granny Weatherwax’s wisdom is a reminder that uncertainty isn’t just about external circumstances—it’s also about how well you know yourself. She believed that being “lost” was a failure of self-awareness rather than direction.
This insight resonates deeply with me, especially when I find myself grappling with uncertainty. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices or to worry about the unknown. But knowing your strengths, values, and purpose can act as a compass, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Reflecting on my experiences in the games industry has been one way I’ve reconnected with this idea. Over the years, I’ve worked on projects of all shapes and sizes, from AAA blockbusters to experimental prototypes. Through it all, I’ve discovered what matters most to me: leading teams, solving creative challenges, and mentoring others.
By focusing on these core elements of who I am, I’ve found that uncertainty becomes less intimidating. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting that you can figure things out as you go.
Navigating Chaos with Confidence
While waiting to play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle , I revisited the classic Indiana Jones films to try and scratch the itch for a little while. In The Last Crusade, I came across a scene I had long forgotten.
It’s a small, almost throwaway moment, but it feels like a variation on the same theme. Sometimes uncertainty is about framing. It’s reminded me of more Weatherwax:
“Granny Weatherwax was not lost. She wasn’t the kind of person who ever became lost. It was just that, at the moment, while she knew exactly where SHE was, she didn’t know the position of anywhere else.”
― Wyrd Sisters, Terry Pratchett
The games industry, like life, often feels like uncharted territory. New challenges emerge, markets shift, and projects evolve. The sheer number of variables can be overwhelming, but Indy’s default take reminds me that you don’t need a perfect map to keep moving forward. You just need to trust in the skills and experience you’ve built along the way.
For me, this means focusing on what I can control and being open to adaptation. Whether in the workplace or in life, moving forward with purpose—even when the destination isn’t clear—is a powerful way to deal with uncertainty.
Lessons for the Journey
Both Granny Weatherwax and Indiana Jones share a common thread of wisdom: navigating the unknown starts with clarity about yourself and confidence in your abilities.
Here are some principles I’ve found helpful when dealing with uncertainty:
• Take time to reflect on your strengths and values. What do you enjoy most about your work? What do you want to leave behind?
• Move forward with confidence. You don’t need to know every detail of the path ahead to take the next step.
• Stay curious. Uncertainty often brings unexpected opportunities—being open to them can make all the difference.
Looking Ahead
Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By reconnecting with what matters most and trusting in our ability to adapt, we can face it with resilience and optimism.
Granny Weatherwax and Indiana Jones may seem like an odd pair, but their wisdom has been a steady guide for me during times of doubt. With a clear sense of “what I am” and the confidence to navigate the unknown, I’m learning to see uncertainty not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to grow.
What about you? How do you deal with uncertainty? Are there stories, characters, or experiences that have shaped your approach? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop me a line or let’s start a conversation in the comments!
