Wisdom From The Top with Guy Raz

The Importance of a Near Miss: Sarah Lewis (Harvard)

53 snips
Jul 3, 2024
Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, Harvard professor, discusses how failure can lead to success. She explores the concept of 'ever onward almost' in art, athletics, and business leadership. Embracing failure as a catalyst for mastery and the importance of near wins are key themes of the conversation.
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ANECDOTE

Early Failure

  • Sarah Lewis recounted her high school art competition experience.
  • Initially winning a significant award, she later faced disappointment, sparking an inner reckoning about her artistic identity.
INSIGHT

Back-Turned Paintings

  • Back-turned paintings represent artists' internal world and experiments, shielded from external judgment.
  • They're crucial for artistic development, allowing for full flourishing before public presentation.
INSIGHT

Success vs. Mastery

  • Success is external validation, while mastery is an ongoing pursuit of improvement.
  • Mastery is an "ever onward almost," driven by a productive dissatisfaction and the near-win.
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