Principle 12: Continuing Education

The longer we do something (like, say, live), the more challenging it can be to keep learning.

“I got this,” we figure. No need to learn more.

Learning feels awkward. We can talk ourselves into avoiding it.

Instead, cultivate what Zen Buddhists call shoshin (beginner’s mind). Keep learning … and be willing to suck.

For a long time, I paid lip service to Principle 12 but wasn’t really willing to suck. Diving in with the distinct possibility that I will not be good at what I’m attempting frees up boatloads of energy.

Suck is the beginning of success.