Giving myself permission to fail and treating pursuits as experiments may be my highest-leverage approaches to life.

I am not excellent at applying it universally, but I see more than ever how perfectionism is a hindrance.

Overestimating the judgment of others, the worst-case scenarios, all the bad that can happen—I'm guilty of it. But when I approach a musical performance or host an event, I've found that letting go of these is incredibly freeing.

There are a few other pieces that make it easier to let go:

• Do your best: be prepared for what you're doing. Don't underprepare. But remember there's such a thing as overpreparation. Know your resources and what you can give to something based on how you prioritize it.
• Frame what you do as an experiment or learning opportunity: whatever you're doing, it's most likely not a do-or-die moment. Treat it as something you're trying out, something you will learn from, adapt, and get better at the next time. Make learning the aim, not perfection.
• Be detached from outcomes: If you fail, it probably won't destroy your life. Whatever opportunity you might miss, another one will come. Resilience is a human quality, and we have the capacity to rebuild.

Removing perfection as an objective takes the edge off. It allows you to show up and learn. Even if you bomb, you'll learn. But if you put some effort and do your best to be prepared, you probably won't bomb.

Showing up, following through, and learning are all dear friends that will help you shape your connection and contribution.