why make mistakes

and how they make you stronger

I was interviewed recently by the Femme Futurists Society and the opening question was about my life mantra which is shoshaku jushaku, a Japanese expression translatable as ‘one continuous mistake.’ I loved that the interviewer opened with this question because if I were the type for tattoos, I would tattoo this phrase on my body. It’s a Zen philosophy that points to wholehearted living without the pressure of perfection or ever getting something ‘right.’

For a Westernized mind, this can sound confusing and even negative, but it’s a powerful way to approach life and the future - which can only promise uncertainty and change - and it leads to an inner confidence that doesn’t require much external reinforcement. Think of it like this: When a craftsperson makes a mistake, if she takes advantage of the mistake to make the work even better, this is precisely how she becomes both resilient and skilled. Shoshaku jushaku is productive discomfort - a state I occupy, on purpose, time and again because it’s served me well through a spate of challenges. It now abides at the heart of our Deep Self Design (DSD) immersion, an inaugural experience coming from the Center in 2024. I say more about that in the interview above, so make some tea and have a listen. Then go make a purposeful mistake - one you can gamify and even celebrate. I’ll be your friend in floundering.

Platforms at your service:

🎧 Apple Podcasts
🎧 Spotify
▶️ YouTube

To clumsiness,
Sun