I don’t have any tattoos

That's my grandma bowling in Yokohama, circa 1970

I don't have any tattoos.

I like them, but my taste in graphic design has changed a lot.

And I'm Japanese so my grandmother would NEVER let it go 🤷🏻‍♂️

But if I were to get one, it might be this one.

"Rejection over regret"

Right on my forearm. Size of a pound coin.

From moving countries to asking someone out, I've used this rule of thumb for ~20 years.

And the idea is simple.

Rejection cuts deep but heals quickly. And you can learn from it and try again.

But regret spreads in the chest, potentially lasting a lifetime. And you'll never know what would have happened.

So I try to choose rejection every time.

Every time I'm scared. Every time I feel outnumbered. Every time I don't feel like I'm good enough.

Because the reality is — good or bad — you can't control most of what happens to you. And the success you've had is rooted in your ability to take risks, fail and keep trying.

So choose rejection.

Choose to get back up again. Choose to win even if it means losing over and over again.

Because despite what the tech bros say, success probably doesn't lie in 1000Xing your productivity with AI.

The truth is success is a combination of luck and grit.

And you can only control the latter.

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That's my grandma bowling in Yokohama, circa 1970.

She drove cars in and out of ferries and could parallel park like Tetris.

Last year, she finally gave up her driving license at the ripe age of 85!

Anyways, she taught me the rejection over regret rule.

Wise words from a wise woman raised in the shadows of WWII.

So if you're feeling in doubt or a bit overwhelmed or something just doesn't feel right, think of my grandma.

She won't mind, I promise.

Imagine you are the bowling ball, and she's got you snug in her driving hands.

Those pins are your little doubts and fears.

Her legs cross, she snaps her wrist and you're spinning like Saturn. You absolutely nail those pins.

You got this. Keep going.