Rock Bottom

I often give the same tip to startup founders going into Y Combinator interviews, to my kids when they face an opponent in a BJJ competition, and to myself whenever I am about to do something stressful.

I start from the mindset that I will fail, and that failure is guaranteed. Like really really convince myself that I will fail, and that’s ok.

But… Isn’t that a bit negative?

It may sound counterintuitive to be so fatalistic. Most people probably try to convince themselves that they will succeed. There is a certain comfort in focussing on positive thoughts and “manifesting” success. Perhaps that’s a way to stay motivated? If that works, then don’t stop doing that. The two mindsets are not mutually exclusive.

In my case, if I tell myself that I will fail, that the worst case is going to happen, then that gives me a solid foundation because I am now at rock bottom, pun intended.

It’s all upside from rock bottom

And when I am so down, everything else from there is upside. I have nothing to lose and nothing to protect.

So instead of worrying about whether I will succeed, I focus on making the best out of the situation. I focus on what I can learn and on being creative. I become curious to see how far I can go. I can give it my all because I am no longer scared of what happens if it does not work.

It’s calming and euphoric.

A fatalistic mindset that grounds me and keeps me humble and lighthearted. Other people may be thinking about what they could lose while I am not thinking about it because I’m ok with finishing last!

Building momentum when it matters

Then, as the stressful event unfolds, I can create a sort of crescendo.

One thing goes well. Then another. Every small success is upside because I started from utter failure. I become more confident as I go but I never forget where I came from (dead last). Slowly, I start seeing more clearly. By the end, I may feel like I am flying.

And if I do fail, it’s ok!! I survived and I’ll try again.