AP 824: I found Mistakes in My Book: Why Not Trying is the Biggest Mistake of All || Growth Spurt
About ProgressSummary
Monica Packer shares her experience of recording the audiobook for her book "Sticky Habits," highlighting the emotional journey and lessons learned during the process. Initially filled with excitement, Packer encounters moments of self-doubt and anxiety when she discovers small errors in her manuscript while narrating. Despite having gone through multiple rounds of editing, she grapples with feelings of inadequacy, worrying that these mistakes might undermine her credibility as an author.
Through reflection, Packer realizes that imperfections are a natural part of any creative endeavor. She draws parallels to her enjoyment of films like "Oppenheimer," acknowledging that even well-received works are not without flaws. This insight leads her to embrace the idea that good work can coexist with mistakes, reinforcing the notion that striving for perfection can hinder progress. Packer encourages listeners to accept their own imperfections and to view mistakes as essential learning opportunities, ultimately advocating for the courage to try new things despite the risk of error.
Show Notes
In this Growth Spurt, I share a moment from narrating my audiobook for Sticky Habits when I spotted small errors that survived countless rounds of editing. Spiraling into self-doubt, I had to remind myself that even masterpieces like Harry Potter and Oppenheimer aren't perfect — and that mistakes aren't just unavoidable, they're a necessary part of the path. The only way to avoid mistakes is by not trying, and that's the biggest mistake of all.
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