Uncharted territory

As someone who works in a creative field, there are many times when I don’t know where to begin—or I start without knowing where the work will end up. We might call this state a creative block. It’s both frightening and thrilling at the same time. Imagine taking 50% of a client’s payment without knowing whether you can actually deliver. That fear and uncertainty is exactly why many people avoid choosing a career in creativity and design.

As a designer, though, I feel excited whenever I’m facing something new. I believe humans are wired with an instinct to explore uncharted territory—both in the physical world and in our inner landscapes. Uncertainty is what makes both the journey and the destination meaningful and memorable. It’s what forces us to help one another, sparking connections and relationships. It gives us purpose and a reason to wake up each day.

Today I want to share how I personally face uncertainty. Every time I don’t know where to start, I ask myself: “What’s the smallest thing I can do right now?” Then I do it immediately—even if it’s just for a few minutes. That small action creates momentum, which grows into bigger progress.

Don’t know how to design the whole app? Just sketch one button. Don’t know what to write? Write that you don’t know what to write. The principle is simple: when facing creative block, move your hands for at least five minutes. Draw, write, or play the guitar. The more I use my hands, the more my brain begins to generate ideas. Sometimes I think our hands are like a second brain.