88 - When We Don't Yet Know Where We Are Going, We Don't Wait, We Move Forward In The Dark
In this 60-second episode, discover why progress often starts before clarity. Learn how action in uncertainty can shape success and fuel your journey, especially in creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Moving Forward Without a Map: Why Uncertainty Is Not Your Enemy
There’s a myth about business and personal growth that we need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. But some of the most transformative paths begin when the destination is unclear.
In this episode, we explore a quote from Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, one that challenges conventional thinking and champions momentum over perfection:
“When we don’t yet know where we are going, we don’t wait. We move forward in the dark.”
This line holds deep wisdom for creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, especially those navigating complex, uncertain landscapes like Africa’s evolving business and innovation scene.
Drawing from personal experience, I reflect on a pivotal moment in my journey: making the leap from the UK to Austin, Texas, to attend a business school I sincerely believed in despite not having the financial or logistical clarity to do so. Friends thought it was a fantasy. But belief fueled action, and action shaped a new reality.
This principle is echoed by Steve Jobs, who famously said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
The key takeaway?
Clarity comes after action, not before.
Why This Matters For You
Whether you're an African entrepreneur launching in a volatile market, a creative working without validation, or a student dreaming beyond your means, the lesson is universal:
You don’t need full vision to take the next step. You need enough belief to begin.
Success stories are often written in hindsight, but they’re lived in moments of uncertainty.
So don’t wait for the lights to come on. Move forward in the dark.
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Rick Rubin's Quotes
00:05 Embracing Uncertainty
00:20 Personal Journey to Austin
00:52 Achieving the Impossible
00:54 Reflecting on the Journey
Links:
Website: https://www.sidmofya.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidmofya/
Transcript:
Here are five of my favorite quotes from Rick Rubin's book The Creative Act. Number three, when we don't yet know where we are going, we don't wait, we move forward in the dark. I love this 'cause it encourages action despite uncertainty. And Steve Jobs is famous for saying, we connect the dots looking backwards.
And it reminds me of, uh, a time when I was, um, trying to go from the uk. To Austin, Texas to go for a business school that I really wanted to go to, um, but didn't really have the money or the resources to do it. Um, but felt very strongly that this was the right thing to do. Um, so we made our plans and, um, some of my friends said we were in La la land, um, but we truly believed we were gonna do it.
And, um. And thankfully we did it. And I look at that part of my journey as, uh, as very critical to the rest of the journey that happened after. Um, so I totally believe in this and I love this quote. I.