How to Overcome the Fear of Failure and Find Success (Invest in Loss)

Josh Waitzkin, who won multiple U.S. Junior Chess Championships and later became a World Tai Chi Champion, discusses "investing in loss" in his book The Art of Learning. I love how this idea makes learning something new feel freeing and fun. Here's a summary of that principle.

Invest in Loss

Be willing to lose and embrace discomfort in order to gain deeper insights and long-term success. In the pursuit of mastery, there are times when you need to take risks, try new techniques, and experiment with different strategies, even if it means temporarily losing or underperforming. This approach allows you to break through plateaus and develop a more profound understanding of your craft. It's a mindset that prioritizes learning and growth over the fear of failure, ultimately leading to greater mastery in whatever field you're pursuing.

What are your thoughts?

What tips do you have for mastering something new? Share your thoughts below!