datapoints

Something that has really become a big mantra for me is the idea that I am just collecting data points. I think this is particularly powerful because I have this tendency to worry about my performance and want to always get something right the first time. But it would be actually ridiculous not only to expect that, but moreover to actually be able to do that thing perfectly the first time.

More importantly, it prevents learning. If I am just focusing on the execution during the first try of something, I am losing out on a lot of inputs that are actually such important things to just notice the first time around. You can never reexperience something for the first time. I think reframing that "first time experience" to something I really am only going to be listening and asking questions to, vs I need to participate fully to demonstrate knowledge will be something that I try to keep front of mind as I take on new experiences.