Updated on 21 Feb 26 by
Barry carter
Poker Expert

How to deal with uncertainty

We start our weekly Monday Morning Motivation video this week with something that feels particularly important in these testing times.

We don't believe that watching a motivational video will suddenly make you a great poker player, consistent good habits and a commitment to learning will. However, it is undeniable that a short term boost of inspiration can start a positive snowball effect. 

Every Monday morning we share a 'Monday Motivation' video to get our players in the right frame of mind. Whether it's poker, chess, sport, business or study, the lessons are always universal, so we want to get you pumped in the same way. 

It's no exaggeration to say that we are currently in some very uncertain times. Often the most difficult thing we can experience in periods of chaos is simply not knowing what is going to happen. This video shines a light on how the need to create certainty is hardwired in humans and what you need to do to get back some control. 

None of us know what is going to happen in life, at work, at the tables or even in the next week. There will always be uncertainty, but we can remove it's control over us if we are willing to confront it a little more. 

How do you get pumped to play poker? Share your most inspirational videos in the comments:

More Monday Motivation

Poker Expert

Barry Carter is the editor of PokerStrategy.com and the co-author of The Mental Game of Poker 1 & 2, Poker Satellite Strategy, PKO Poker Strategy, Endgame Poker Strategy, GTO Poker Simplified, Mystery Bounty Poker Strategy and Beyond GTO. In 2025, he won the Global Poker Awards for Best Book and Twitter Personality of the Year.