Positivity & Progress: Rules for Being Human

I used to think success meant having it all figured out. That if I just worked hard enough, made the right choices, and avoided mistakes, I’d reach a place where everything clicked into place—where life and business would be smooth sailing. But the truth? My journey has been anything but perfect.

After years of growing a thriving international business, 9/11 changed everything. The world froze, travel stopped, and my company collapsed overnight. I was overextended, drowning in financial obligations for trips that would never happen. Within a year, I was bankrupt. It was humbling, terrifying, and, at the time, it felt like failure.

But here’s the thing about failure: It’s one of life’s greatest teachers.

That season of uncertainty forced me to pivot and rediscover what I truly loved—connecting people, curating great conversations, and helping others share ideas that change lives. If I had obsessed over perfection, I might have stayed stuck in the shame of losing my business.

Instead, I embraced the messiness of reinvention.

My Favorite Rules for Being Human

There’s an old Sanskrit poem often called Rules for Being Human, which captures life's reality better than most things I’ve read. Here are a few of my favorite of its 10 rules:

📌 You will receive a body. You may love it or hate it, but it’s yours for the duration of your life.

📌 You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called “Life.”

📌 There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error.

This mindset shift changed everything for me. Life doesn’t reward perfection. It rewards those who keep learning, adapting, and moving forward.

Why Positivity Beats Perfection

Research shows that perfectionism can lead to stress, burnout, and even anxiety. But shifting our mindset—focusing on progress over perfection—makes us more creative, confident, and fulfilled.

✅ Studies show that people who embrace a growth mindset (valuing effort over perfection) are more likely to succeed in their careers and personal lives.

✅ Positive self-talk has been proven to increase resilience, problem-solving abilities, and opportunities. Say those words out loud, and the effects are even greater.

✅ Perfectionism is linked to higher levels of procrastination and fear of failure—two things that hold us back more than anything else.

These thought leaders help audiences embrace resilience, authenticity, and the power of a positive mindset. I hope you find this list inspiring and filled with voices that remind us that progress, not perfection, is the real key to success.

Speakers Who Celebrate the Art of Being Human

⭐ Karen Allen teaches leaders how to develop a “stop & shift” mindset, helping them pivot from perfectionist paralysis to forward momentum. BONUS: Check out Karen's video clip on the perfection illusion from our podcast episode––and don't forget to subscribe!

⭐ Jeff Salzenstein breaks down the power of words, showing how what we tell ourselves and others can either build us up or hold us back. BONUS: Hear Jeff's startling statistics on the power of negative talk from his appearance on our podcast. Subscribe for more weekly insights like his.

⭐ Michelle Anne Johnson helps teams navigate stress and cultivate self-awareness to perform at their best without chasing an impossible standard. Watch Michelle's insight on small habits that will help you boost confidence—daily actions you can do today to transform your life!

⭐ Tara Renze speaks about ditching imposter syndrome and embracing who you truly are—flaws, failures, and all.

⭐ Juan Bendana talks about confidence, taking risks, and realizing that waiting for perfection means missing out on opportunity.

⭐ Jeremiah Brown (an Olympic silver medalist who started rowing only four years before competing) reminds us that mastery comes from resilience, not perfection.

⭐ Michelle Poler teaches how to break free from fear-based perfectionism and build a fearless mindset.

⭐ Mike Robbins has spent years coaching teams on how to be authentic leaders who value effort, not just outcomes.

⭐ Shawn Achor, Craig Zablocki, and Arthur Brooks all show how positivity—real, grounded optimism—leads to better performance and deeper fulfillment.

⭐ Sara Ross explores how leaders can create environments where people thrive by focusing on trust, purpose, and progress over perfection.

Perfection is Overrated – Growth is Where the Magic Happens!

So, here’s my challenge for you this week: Catch yourself striving for perfection and pause. Shift your mindset. Give yourself grace. Seek growth over flawlessness. And remember, being human means learning, failing, and trying again.

Who could use this reminder today? Share this with them and start a conversation.

Ready to Embrace Your Imperfectly Perfect Self?

As we navigate our personal and professional journeys, let’s remember that imperfections aren’t flaws—they’re what make us human. By embracing them, we cultivate resilience, foster authentic connections, and create meaningful impact.

If you're looking for a keynote speaker who can inspire your audience to let go of perfectionism and embrace the power of authenticity, I’d love to help. From Karen Allen’s message of mindfulness to Shawn Achor’s science of happiness, we know incredible speakers who empower people to live—and thrive—imperfectly perfect.

Let’s connect and find the best speaker for your next event!

🗓️ Schedule an exploratory meeting here. No pressure. Just possibilities.

✉️ You can contact me here: info@thekeynotecurators.com

Or simply comment on the post from this newsletter. I'd love to hear from you.

Imperfectly Perfectly Yours,

Seth

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