To tell you the truth, it was hard to tell.
I think she meant it to be a compliment.
It definitely started out as one.
But then…well.
The other day Lori approached me as I was leaving the gym. She told me that these emails are having a huge impact on her.
So far, so good.
She said they're also having an impact on her family. Sharing them with her college-aged children was a way she could encourage them as they go through the growing pains of life.
And during these conversations she asked her daughter, “What are his emails about?”
This definitely piqued my interest - I never considered lumping them into one theme, outside of general self-improvement. And that’s when the bomb dropped.
Her daughter replied “that he messes up. He writes about always making mistakes.”
Huh. Interesting.
I had never thought of them like that. I generally draw inspiration from a list I keep of lessons I’ve learned through experiences. But, shit. She’s right. A better word is mistakes.
And that’s OK.
It’s OK to make mistakes. And it’s OK to admit to making them.
Just remember that the goal is to not make the same mistake repeatedly.
So, cheers to fucking up 🥂.
I’m not sure if it’s the only way to learn, but it’s the only way I’ve figured it out.
Your homework this week: Don’t beat yourself up over making mistakes. Confront them. When was the last time you made a mistake you’re embarrassed about? Go confess to whomever it negatively affected. You’ll feel amazing.
And if you feel worse afterwards, that’s OK too. You’re the one who fucked up, so it’s OK to feel bad. Then, it’s OK to get over it and move on - that part is important so don’t leave it out.
Be great,
Danny Lehr