Get in the Cold Water

Day 4: Why action beats perfection every damn time

Day 4 and it's all about learning! As I embark on this new venture, I'm learning. I've gotten feedback, and I'm listening, which turns out IS the most important thing when starting over or starting new.

Listen! Others have valuable information and ideas that can help you.

The Perfectionism Death Trap

I'm a perfectionist. I will take days making something perfect before taking action. But not anymore.

Instead of overthinking it and making it perfect the first time, I'm doing the action – it's like rehearsal. Just start, the finesse will come, but if you don't start and take action, then you'll never achieve anything.

Swimming Through Life (With Goggle Marks to Prove It)

I'm an endurance open water swimmer - the permanent goggle marks are real.

I know from experience that showing up, getting in the cold water and just fucking doing the thing is the only way to train your body and mind to get better and get ready for the event.

Training can also be the worst. There are days when I just want it to be over, I just want the event to be here so I can be done with the 4:45am alarm clock. But guess what? If I don't put in the uncomfortable early mornings and the cold slog through the seaweed, then I won't be prepared for what lies ahead.

I need the practice to learn, grow, and strengthen my muscles and mind.

Training is Learning (And Both Are Uncomfortable)

Learning means change.

I'm taking notes, listening to feedback, doing my research. And I can feel a change happening. It's slow, but it's there.

Just start. The finesse will come with practice. Throw perfection out the window - nothing is perfect. Well, maybe a few things. My cat, for one.

Sea Otter Wisdom

Random fact: Sea otters learn to crack shells by watching their mothers for months. They don't just figure it out alone - they observe, practice, adjust.

That's what we're doing - learning by watching, practicing, adjusting. We're not supposed to have all the answers immediately. We're supposed to watch, try, fail, adjust, and try again.

Two Things I'm Doing Today

Here are 2 things I'm doing today that you can do too:

1. Asking for feedback on ONE thing I'm working on - and actually listening. If I can't think of a trusted friend, then I'll find someone I follow and trust on social media whom I'd admire and ask them. Chances are they'll get back to me. People are surprisingly kind... Some aren't, but some are. You never know.

2. Identify what I can improve today vs. what takes time - tackle the quick wins. I can improve my writing skills today.

Today's Fitting Room

Today, I choose learning and trying things on for size.

Will it fit? Maybe, but likely I'll need an alteration to adjust for who I am and what I need. That's the point - try it on, see what needs adjusting, make the changes, keep what works.

The Cold Water Truth

The water's cold. The seaweed is gross. The 4:45am alarm sucks. But this is how you get stronger. This is how you prepare for whatever event is coming next.

So go get in the cold water. Do the thing.

Training is learning. Both are uncomfortable. But that's where the magic happens.