The Truth About Being Ready

9 people had breakthroughs this week. Will the next one be you?

One thing for you to think about

Being ready is a myth. You will never be fully ready. The idea that some people are magically prepared for life’s biggest moments is something we assume is true of everyone else without realizing everyone is like us.

The truth is: no one knows what they’re doing. Some of us have just learned to do things anyway.

One thing for you to ask yourself

What could you “just do anyway” that you’re not?

One thing for you to try this week

Go just do something even though you’re not ready. Then reply and let me know what you learned.

Last week’s breakthroughs

In last week’s newsletter, I asked you to name a social comparison you make that motivates you to be better.

Here’s Sandy:

Hmm, this is a tough one. I generally don’t compare myself with others and, having reached my 70s, am fairly happy.

However, one thing I’ve realized in the last half dozen years or so is that I overhelp, especially those closest to me. I know this is a control thing and began with expectations in childhood as the eldest daughter.

I’m slowly learning to step back and let others have their agency. What now makes this more challenging, and necessary, is that both my husband and daughter have serious health challenges.

I haven’t always brought my best self to situations and I know I need to focus more on self-care to be there for others. My daughter recently told me she thinks I have caregiver burnout which is a bit of a wake-up call.

So, in terms of comparing myself with others… there are people I know that are better at self-care and I plan to work on taking their example.

Our second reader chooses to be inspired by their ex:

I recently broke up with my ex-girlfriend and it has been difficult for us both.

I noticed though how disciplined she has been about her life. She’s a student athlete and it inspired me to push myself too as a retired student athlete. I do not compare what I was when I was with her or regret not being that but I compare who she inspired me to be vs the version of me I tried to be on my own. Night and day. I don’t know if she’ll ever know the impact she has on me.

Finally, Cindy is constantly inspired:

I’m a 71-year-old female who started weightlifting close to two years ago. I’m in the gym four times a week and love it. And I’m always watching other people, most of whom are probably under 55, many in their 20s/30s/40s. Many are very, VERY strong. I’m always watching their form and how their bodies move, how their muscles move, and how much weight they’re moving. I suppose you could say there’s some comparison there, but I’m 71 and can deadlift 165 lbs and am very proud that I’ve gotten to that point. Honestly, I’m in awe of how disciplined many of these people are. I never feel like I’m down on myself at all, but see these strong disciplined individuals as inspirational!!

As always, send your breakthroughs by simply replying to this email. Let me know if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.

Until next week,
Mark Manson

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
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