A little bit of fear is motivating. It doesn’t mean you're scared. It means you’re smart. I didn’t try to push the stress out of my mind. It felt right to be anxious about an interview, to me, it signaled that I cared. Care is an essential part of doing anything worthwhile. I also owe it to my partner at El Cap to do my best work, over communicate, admit mistakes openly, celebrate wins, and reflect on how we can improve together.

So even a little familiarity—the amount you gain from one steely sit-down with the thing—can dislodge major chunks of fear. For good.

Imagine the pressure of having to top each successful thing you do. This thinking assumes that you must be constantly on top, not only against your peers but also against your past self. Even worse, this thinking assumes that if you cannot win then you must stop playing. But what about the joy of learning, the quiet glory of just making things and sharing them without expectation? No, when your time is up you’re free to go. At the end of the day, the only thing perfect is a blank page, I think there is something inside me and I want to find it.