The inner game of 1099 life

"Be clear about this: letting go of judgments does not mean ignoring errors. It simply means seeing events as they are and not adding anything to them. "

-Scott Galloway, The Inner Game of Tennis

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"When we plant a rose seed in the earth, we notice that it is small, but we do not criticize it as “rootless and stemless.” We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed. When it first shoots up out of the earth, we don’t condemn it as immature and underdeveloped; nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear. We stand in wonder at the process taking place and give the plant the care it needs at each stage of its development. The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change; yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is."

-Scott Galloway, The Inner Game of Tennis

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I'm reading Scott Galloway's classic book, The Inner Game of Tennis. It's nominally about tennis but it's actually about the philosophy and mindset of performing well in any endeavor.

He makes the point that to improve, you have to practice "relaxed concentration" without judgement. Be aware of what you're doing without adding emotional baggage to the activity.

This can also apply to your 1099 journey.

Your efforts may be imperfect and results may be taking too long, but if you go down the rabbit hole of thinking you'll never succeed at it, you'll lose the game.

Take the long view. Observe your actions and your professional environmental.

Take your time to improve and trust that you'll get to where you want to go.

Enjoy the ride along the way.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.