For example, I’m starting a business that might not make it. My expected return for all the work I’m putting into it is likely pretty small. But sometimes, a risk of this magnitude is worth it. For me, it’s the true belief that what I’m building is something that is good and necessary for the growth of my city and state.

A first business often loses money. The first novel is always shoved away in a drawer (I have one of those). We perfectionists want to avoid at all costs that sinking feeling of losing. But as Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”

I always encourage my kids by saying, “It’s okay! I know you can do it!” But that statement implies failure isn’t an option. If you have imposter syndrome, like all of us do, then we believe failure is proof that we are, indeed, imposters.

I often saw inexperienced briefers make the mistake of making something up off the top of their heads when an audience member asked a difficult question. They felt not having an answer meant they didn’t belong up there at the podium. So I taught them this phrase: “Sir, I don’t know. After this briefing, I’ll find out and get back to you.” Likewise, I want to make sure my kids know it’s okay to say, “I don’t know” or “I need help.”