The System for Everything

52: The System for Letting Yourself Be Bad at Something Again with Thomas Renner

Julie Fried, Business & Systems Strategist

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0:00 | 27:34

At some point, many of us quietly stop trying new things.

Not because we don't want to—but because we've gotten so used to being competent that being a beginner feels unbearable.

This week, Julie sits down with longtime friend and leadership coach Thomas Renner to explore why adults avoid situations where they might be awkward, imperfect, or just plain bad—and what we're missing because of it.

From theater camp to parenting to making new friends, this conversation explores why play matters far more than we give it credit for, how perfectionism quietly shrinks our lives, and why confidence isn't something you wait for before trying something new.

If you've ever talked yourself out of a hobby because you "aren't creative," avoided something because you'd look silly, or forgotten what it feels like to simply enjoy learning, this episode is for you.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why adulthood makes vulnerability feel so risky
  • The surprising connection between play and confidence
  • How perfectionism keeps us stuck
  • Simple ways to reconnect with creativity
  • Why being bad at something might be exactly what you need

Connect with Thomas:

Connect with Julie:

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