The Stoics talk about detaching from results and outcomes. “Don’t let your imagination be crushed by life as a whole,” Marcus Aurelius said. “Stick with the situation at hand.” The less attached we are to outcomes the better. When fulfilling our own standards—when doing the right thing—is what fills us with pride and self-­respect, when the effort is enough, we are liberated.

Let that be your mindset today. Focus only on what’s immediately in front of you. No strain, no struggle, no worry. Just one simple movement after another with just one goal: your best effort.

(Mariah speaking) Sometimes outcomes are extremely important. Sometimes that's why you make the effort at all, and if the outcome is not good, it is said that you failed. But it's reassuring to notice (which you can't, without failing) that failure usually doesn't bring the end of the world. I was taught to pursue excellence, rather than perfection.