A Practicum Note, a Skateboarder Mayor, and a Quiet Pat on the Back
Three Unexpected Gifts That Landed Exactly When I Needed Them
Today I received three gifts:
a disappointing practicum email,
excellent storytelling from a former pro skateboarder–turned–mayor,
and a perfectly timed note from James Clear.
They may sound like strange gifts, but together they reflect how far I’ve come.
A Revision Request and a Different Reaction
This morning, I learned I need to revise one section of my practicum work. The feedback was kind and clear, but as a recovering perfectionist, it’s always hard not to get the gold star.
What surprised me was what didn’t happen.
I didn’t spiral.
I didn’t rewrite the story about my abilities.
I didn’t let it take over my day.
I felt the pang… and then I realized I’m becoming the kind of coach I want to be. The revision wasn’t a setback. It is an opportunity to learn more from experienced coaches. And I’m grateful for their wisdom.
Then a Pro Skateboarder Made It Make Sense
A few hours later, at a housing policy conference (another side of my professional life), I heard Mikey Taylor — pro skateboarder turned investor and now the mayor of Thousand Oaks — talk about practicing skate tricks on a stair rail hundreds of times until he could land them cleanly, and having a strategy to manage risk.
He described the thought process behind every attempt: Could he make that first jump to the rail? Could he stay balanced down 21 steps? If he didn’t land it, how would he roll so he didn’t get hurt?
And as I listened, something clicked.
I’ve recently taken my own kind of jump — adding book coaching as a new line of business. It’s exciting, yes, but also full of unknowns. It requires a steady mix of courage and humility. And here I was, expecting myself to be flawless on attempt one, instead of honoring the fact that I’m still learning the moves.
Mastery comes from reps, not internal pressure.
And risk is part of the process — not a sign you’re doing it wrong, but a sign you’re growing.
James Clear Seals the Theme
Then James Clear’s email showed up. He wrote about mental toughness and shared this:
“My favorite type of mental toughness is not forcing one path, but being open to many paths: Whatever comes my way, I can handle it. Whatever resources I have, I can make it work. Whatever the day brings, I can thrive.” (*emphasis my own)
He went on to describe how, as we mature, the gap between disappointment and recovery should get shorter. Kids can be upset for hours; adults learn to return to center more quickly.
And that’s exactly what today was:
Proof that I can feel the sting and recover quickly.
Proof that feedback doesn’t undo me anymore.
Proof that I’m building resilience alongside skill.
A Quiet Realization I Almost Missed
But it also reminded me of something else—the practicum email recognized many good qualities… qualities I want to embody as a coach.
They described my work as warm, curious, clear, and balanced.
They said my feedback helps writers move the needle.
That I create actionable steps.
That I understand the ideal reader, the genre, and the marketplace.
That I’m thoughtful, professional, and committed to deepening my mastery.
Today helped me see these for what they are:
Strong signs that I’m becoming the coach I want to be.
Not perfectly.
Not instantly.
But steadily — and with far more grace than I used to give myself.
And honestly?
I’m proud of that.
Originally published on my Substack.
