Better Than Happy 550. The Problem with Straight A's
Jan 30, 2026
They examine how straight A habits can create perfectionism that stops risk taking. The conversation contrasts school-style roadmaps with the messy, iterative work real goals need. They explore all-or-nothing thinking, strategic effort allocation, and learning to use internal validation. The focus is on choosing priorities over perfect performance to enable growth.
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Roadmaps End After School
- School gives clear roadmaps to earn A's, but adult life rarely does the same.
- Jody Moore says most real-world goals require nuance, trial and error, and adaptation.
Perfectionism Becomes A Growth Barrier
- Perfectionism from being a straight-A student can block starting, finishing, or experimenting.
- Jody Moore notes former top students often struggle with projects that lack clear measures of perfection.
Ask Why Before Punishing A Grade
- When a child gets a lower grade, ask why and explore strategic choices rather than punish immediately.
- Jody Moore suggests discussing goals and whether the student intentionally prioritized other areas.