A Productive Conversation

PM Talks S1E11: Uncertainty


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In this latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, Patrick Rhone and I dive into the complexities of life and work. This series offers deep discussions that explore meaningful topics from our perspectives. This month, we’re tackling uncertainty—how it shows up in our lives, how we handle it, and how to find certainty in areas where we can have control.

In this episode, we use personal examples, such as my ongoing home construction woes, to highlight how uncertainty plays out in real-life scenarios. From navigating miscommunication with contractors to controlling our reactions, we explore how clarity and control can help alleviate the anxiety of uncertainty.

Key Discussion Points

  • The role of clarity and control in reducing uncertainty
  • How communication can foster or hinder certainty in projects
  • Personal stories about managing household construction and expectations
  • The concept of “commanding” your environment without over-controlling it
  • How to differentiate between flexibility and rigidity in uncertain situations
  • Using minimalism and simplification to manage uncertainty in daily life

  • If you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty in your own life or work, I hope this episode offers you practical tools and perspectives to better navigate it. We’ll be back next month for our final episode of the year, where we’ll discuss reflection and growth—another topic that's sure to bring valuable insights. Don’t miss it!

    Links Worth Exploring

    • Patrick's book, "For You"
    • Patrick’s Website
    • Episode 286: Doing Project 333 with Courtney Carver
    • How to Conquer the Day
    • Zen Habits Podcast: Mike Vardy on TimeCrafting & Productiveness
    • Check out ALL of the PM Talks episodes

    • Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

      Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

      Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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