In The Uncertainty Toolkit, Sam Conniff and Katherine Templar Lewis explore what it means to live well in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. The book combines behavioural science with the lived experiences of people who have faced extreme instability to build a framework for coping with the unknown. I picked this up because there is a lot of uncertainty in my own life at the moment, and I was looking for some practical advice to support my mental health. I really appreciated the mix of research and real-life case studies. While some of the examples are definitely exceptional and not something most people would ever encounter, I liked the idea of learning concrete techniques from people who have had no choice but to navigate instability. I found the practical exercises really helpful. Simple exercises (such as spending one focused minute in gratitude for something tiny) are presented as deliberate attempts to rewire habitual threat responses in the brain. The tone is accessible, and the structure makes it easy to pause and reflect. Although readers already familiar with CBT-style techniques may not find the tools groundbreaking, I found value in having the science, the stories and the exercises gathered in one place. The book doesn’t promise to eliminate anxiety but it does offer a structured way of increasing one's tolerance for it. A recommended read for fans of Oliver Burkeman's books, Atomic Habits, and practical self-help books for mental health. Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Hive for providing a digital and a paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m probably not the best person to review this, I’ve been trained in all the therapies and work with people with complex psychological issues. I’ve had and still live with significant uncertainty in my own life and so I thought is this going to teach me anything new? Nothing is ground breaking or rocket science and yet a lot of work has gone into bringing so many very helpful techniques and research together to help you develop skills to deal with uncertainty. The subject is illustrated using real life examples and it’s an easy read. I made notes of the techniques and have been practicing the. There are references at the end and a questionnaire followed up with how to analyse it at the end. I knocked a star off because I really think adding a spreadsheet of all the skills would be so helpful as it’s a lot to hold in your head, I probably should have made more notes so will go through it again. I also found some of the people’s examples felt quite low level and I recognise that my experiences are probably not typical and also by doing this the book is, hopefully, not triggering, for people to read. I may add another Star once I’ve gone through it again. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone struggling with coping with uncertainty in their lives, so that probably everyone then. I think a positive approach to the new year new you concept . Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.

In an age where unpredictability has become the norm, The Uncertainty Toolkit offers a practical, intelligent approach to navigating the unknown. Conniff and Templar Lewis combine rigorous research with vivid storytelling, presenting a series of exercises and reflections that encourage readers to engage with uncertainty rather than shy away from it. The book balances scientific insight with real-life accounts, from individuals who have faced extreme challenges to everyday scenarios we can all relate to. Each chapter is structured with clarity, making complex psychological concepts accessible without sacrificing nuance. The authors’ complementary voices—Conniff’s energetic narrative and Lewis’s scientific grounding—ensure the text remains engaging throughout. Whether you are daunted by unpredictability or intrigued by the mechanics of human decision-making, this guide provides both practical tools and thoughtful perspectives. It is an enlightening, hands-on manual for anyone seeking confidence amid change. Many thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy

I’m probably not the best person to review this, I’ve been trained in all the therapies and work with people with complex psychological issues. I’ve had and still live with significant uncertainty in my own life and so I thought is this going to teach me anything new? Nothing is ground breaking or rocket science and yet a lot of work has gone into bringing so many very helpful techniques and research together to help you develop skills to deal with uncertainty. The subject is illustrated using real life examples and it’s an easy read. I made notes of the techniques and have been practicing the. There are references at the end and a questionnaire followed up with how to analyse it at the end. I knocked a star off because I really think adding a spreadsheet of all the skills would be so helpful as it’s a lot to hold in your head, I probably should have made more notes so will go through it again. I also found some of the people’s examples felt quite low level and I recognise that my experiences are probably not typical and also by doing this the book is, hopefully, not triggering, for people to read. I may add another Star once I’ve gone through it again. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone struggling with coping with uncertainty in their lives, so that probably everyone then. I think a positive approach to the new year new you concept . Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.