I wanted to react (mostly agree) with your post but I thought of some reaction that I wanted to share.

I think that committing to getting better over 66 days is the kind of thing that people can do and (actually) get better (in any number of things), becoming more of what they think that they can do, mining that kernel of greatness that they can be, in part because of the irrational beauty of just starting.

But, I personally think of the real possibility of failure, and perhaps it’s me, but there’s no accounting for the possibility that they might not survive if they fail … I’m not pinning this on you, per se. I’ve seen a number of heady talks and other speaker venues where they flatly say “it’s OK to fail …” (Having done so pretty well, myself, my first reaction is #privilege).

I just don’t imagine those folks paying for mortgages on the skills they encourage people to go out an fail with …

But I think if you “decide …” on that “thing,” it shouldn’t matter. I know, I know — failure is integral to growth — yeah, I get it. But I’ve personally learned that when I couldn’t borrow a ”measly” $100 from my Dad once when I really, really needed it, it may have been better to just stick with a boring salary job. I felt then that it’s almost as if I was in the weight room without a spot. Any failure hurts me sure, but my kid—my family—didn’t sign up for that.

That person who has decided must be ready to “fail” (assuming the “Mendoza line” of failure) is not being able to pay the mortgage.

So, I guess it’s around item #6 where I begin to question …

I’m thinking about the last four years for me as a cyclist and remarking that as I approach a 1000 recorded rides mark, what it’s taught me. So that that this isn’t a text wall of my musings, I once overheard a guy who was complaining about the pace of spring training rides (too fast). I thought about what could make him truly successful. It occurred to me that would be “one thousand” rides — more than enough to stay out of the mirror after each effort (and just DO the work)—enough where one can feel the challenges and growth over time.

Jeez… it’s a bit of a long story.

Anyway, great post. Inspiration as I increase my illustration projects.

I love your writing!