When that tiny little seed of creating a brand about personal and global empowerment was planted, I have searched high and low for sources of inspiration to further evolve my relationship with these yummy topics that I’m always so pumped to share with you all. What I’m finding is that some of the most moving a-ha! moments I’m attracting are being felt in the least conspicuous of places.

Like, you know, just sitting at home watching an episode of Top Chef.

Not so shameless plug, but my cousin Kwame Onwuachi is a contestant this year and in addition to sheer pride and awe at what Kwame is doing in the world (and absolutely dominating this niche, might I add), his talent is so, so multifaceted, and it goes beyond his mere renowned culinary skill set. After literally being at the edge of my seat screaming at Tom Collichio to being the ultimate deciding factor for his dish to win, (#kwameforpresident), I was so humbled by his own state of pure, unbridled, genuine humility. For those that haven’t seen the episode, allow me to summarize the events:

Kwame, yet again, was recognized for being the badass chef that he is, won the challenge (ps, what’s up with that barrel of wine cousin?!), and Kwame also became the most inspiring chef I have EVER seen on that show.

You know those moments when you’ve given your best, but your best just wasn’t good enough, and you had a single person who honored your presence, held space for you, and reminded you of your talent?

Oh, you haven’t? That’s because it doesn’t happen very often. Very, very few people take that simple yet quality amount of time to be authentic without a hidden agenda of their own. But it happened on national television.  While Kwame was consoling this chef in complete distraught, that energetic exchange was just pure magic. And what I loved most about that moment is that it reminded me of two very important lessons:

1. Always do your best
2. Mistakes are not the enemy

Another fantastically talented cousin of mine who has been instrumental in my journey, De Angela, sent me a book when I was a teenager called The Four Agreements. I read this book about 5 times a year, and I’ve had it since I was 14 years old. Anyway, what Ruiz shares about this agreement is:

Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

What I’ve always loved about this agreement brings me to my second point, mistakes are NOT the enemy. Because, when you know that you even tried to deliver your best, where is the fault in that? I am confident that Chef Wesley went into that challenge totally committed to preparing an incredible meal, but a technique failed. And I would also bet money that he will never fail that technique again, because that challenge utlimately taught him something. And as Kwame shared with us, even the best of the best falter. But that doesn’t define them. And it doesn’t define you, either.

See, mistakes really aren’t the enemy. Our thoughts that we exacerbate that become limiting beliefs, however, are.

I know this is a different post than what I normally create, but I felt so compelled to share this since that moment last week was so special for me to witness.

I’m so grateful to my amazing cousin Kwame for teaching such profound and subtle takeaways that resonate with so many of us.

And with that said, since I am a coach and turn every moment into a coachable moment, what area in your life are you going to give yourself permission to learn pivotal lessons, even if it means taking a risk?

Love and blessings, and as always, be LIFTED!

Darryn K. Robinson, CWC

www.belifted.net