Online & Offline By Liza Sperling

posted on 02.01.10 I Resolve To Screw Up

I recently enjoyed an evening at Cirque du Solei l’s, Ovo, the best work holiday treat I can imagine and my first Cirque du Soleil show. I was blown away by what seemed to be less of a performance than a celebration of reality. Seeing the dancers’ muscles shake with fatigue was an odd comfort, as if they, too, were humans, in spite of their ability to move like insects and contort their bodies in ways that make yoga look like child’s play.

Those whose stumbled or dropped props, remained confident and moved on without losing their focus. The audience was unable to discern the intentional from the unintentional. Only when we consider mistakes something to hide or worthy of shame and embarrassment do they become glaringly obvious. Ovo resolved a paradox: achieving mastery requires embracing imperfection – you cannot have one without the other.

Image by @Photo . via Flickr

Outside of the circus tent, if you attempt to master anything, be prepared to embrace screwing up, consider it confirmation that you are pushing beyond what is safe and familiar. When you stumble, and we all do, it is only proof that you are challenging yourself, you are growing. Growth is impossible without growing pains.

2009 was a year of highs and lows. Instead of stumbling gracefully, I tripped and fell flat, doubting that my goals were possible. A good friend asked me why I had given up hope, and it was only then that I realized I had in fact given up hope. That night I sat down with a sheet of paper and wrote the word “hope” over and over until I filled the page. I got back on track, but I won’t forget that painful evening.

Ovo served as a timely reminder to start the New Year resolving to accept screwing up. When I screw up, I will remind myself that it is simply a part of the process. If that does not work, I will head to Vegas to see another Cirque du Soleil show.

I wish all all of you a happy and healthy New Year. Thank you for reading, responding, and sharing your wisdom with me both online and offline.

Go forth, conquer your resolutions and be prepared to screw up along the way!

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