Today is my oldest son's birthday. As Zachary turns 14, I can't help but think that time really does go by fast (sorry Mom for rolling my eyes every time you said this as a kid).
As I replay Zachary's past year through my mind, there's one memory that keeps popping up...
It's the beginning of the school year and Zachary is learning how to tie a tie (he has to wear one in 7th grade).
I remember the look of concentration on his face as he practiced. And I also remember his frustration because his tie was often too long or short, the knot was either too large or small, and the ends usually ended up uneven.
After several weeks of practice while wearing a not-so-perfect tie to school, Zachary got pretty good at tie tying. His persistence (and what he learned from his mistakes) finally paid off.
Yet he hasn't truly "mastered" tie tying either. Sometimes he messes up and has to start over again. You'd think that would frustrate him, but it doesn't (more on why below).
What does Zachary's tie-tying experience have to do with you, Friend?
When doing something new, going after a big goal, or trying to adopt a new (healthier) habit, it's easy to throw your hands up and say to yourself "this isn't ever going to work".
Success only comes through consistency and persistence as you fail and make mistakes (and hopefully learn from those mistakes).
In fact, your failures and mistakes are NECESSARY to succeed (it's where you learn the most).
But that's not all there is to this lesson.
The reason Zachary doesn't get upset when he occasionally needs to re-work his tie, but instead laughs about it is because he understands that: - Mastery is overrated (and not truly possible). Trying to "master" something is often code for perfectionism.
- Perfectionism stagnates you (it's the death of curiosity + growth).
Life is a smorgasbord of colors. Would you rather yours be comprised of (1) the bright and varying colors that come from curiosity, learning, and growth or (2) the dull taupe's and browns of perfectionism and stagnation?
Success isn't about mastering stuff (or even where you end up). It's about HOW you live your life every single day.
Isn't it interesting how some big life lessons come from the common, every-day moments of life?
Before closing this email, take a few minutes to identify where you're stagnating due to perfectionism and what you want to do about that. Then, reply to this email and let me know.
I'll respond with a few tips and the support you need to start changing it pronto.
XO, | 
