Day 4,028

So much to be learned in a beta test! What’s interesting is that I went into a full blown beta on one of the two projects I’ve been creating I knew that it wasn’t going to be perfect, I knew there was going to be a lot to learn. While the results were significantly better than expected on the first run the reality test showed many faults to work through… but they also shed a light on some incredible opportunities that I had totally underestimated or had completely missed! It was wild seeing how much more room for future growth there is while also seeing there is a much higher ceiling than expected as well.

My biggest realization after taking time to think on it today was this…

I created a product that I knew would not be anything close to perfect or to the finished project and I had zero fear of what happens if it failed. I didn’t dwell on what could go wrong, I didn’t worry about crumpling it up and throwing it aside if I just totally missed. I was playing to win, not playing not to lose, and I had a blast!

How do I keep that mindset in more places of my life in which I worry about getting it all perfect and having it completely dialed? How do I keep a positive mindset and enjoy the journey rather than just the finished product at the destination while also not worrying about what happens if it fails because even in failing the journey was successful?

It reminds me so much of when I started logrolling with the family at the YMCA many years ago. I am super competitive and expect a lot out of myself, failing often really frustrates me. When I was logrolling – even at my best – I was absolutely freaking terrible at it! There were only two positive things I was doing in the entire process – smiling and getting back up on the log after falling off. Over several training series I just pretty much just as terrible as I had been, but I was having a blast! While my performance was awful from the physical perspective I was having so much fun realizing that it was a perfect practice of presence – as soon as my mind wandered in the least I was toast (technically wet toast). Failure, over and over again, and I loved every moment of it.

Why was that scenario okay while in so many other cases I would have gotten frustrated and worked up? Why was I so calm and unconcerned about failure while working on this recent project while I often can get so frustrated on something I think I should know?

Is it a choice of a beginner’s mindset? I’m not sure. If so, how do I shift my perspective to remind myself that every situation is a learning moment, the me who is about to do the thing is not the same me that has done the same task before.

Definitely a great reminder I am thankful for today, one I’ll be keeping in mind for the next few days for sure.

Thanks!!!