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"This imperfect hero comes to realize that a healthy amount of self-examination is beneficial for improving oneself, but too much analysis can be paralyzing, and that real growth comes from ongoing action." DANGGG well done

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"You begin to understand that you are an every day hero. That simply by showing up and doing the best you can—every day—you are taking heroic action."

Beautiful sentiment and I agree! And I'm glad you kept the third person.

Seeing this published made me smile! Happy to see it out in the wild.

Also, I loved the photo of your printed essay drafts because that's actually how I initially read them/read yours.

Looking forward to more of your writing, Justin!

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What a great piece Justin!! This essay irradiates kindness and caring warmth.. It's sign off call to arms ' motion before emotion' is not only true, but also reveals the battle tested quality of all your inputs. You've been to the trenches, and you're being brave enough now to pick up the torch and light a little light around you, for all to share and make the most of. Really compelling stuff, would gladly pick more of your brain, as soon as you get around to finishing those other unfinished essays laying around

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Thanks Ariel! Yeah, it really feels like this essay ended up irreversibly changing my thinking for the better. I kind of used my learnings (about focusing on inner growth not outcomes) from writing the essay to help me write the essay!

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So absolutely proud of you and how your writing has evolved and continues to evolve. You’re impressive on so many levels — keep writing it takes a lot to put yourself out there and share your thoughts, feelings and struggles with others — vulnerability is all we have in life.

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Thank you! 😊

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Justin, so happy you hit publish on this piece! I loved watching your ideas evolve over the course of our gyms. This has a strong, memorable message that I will think of every time I try to tell myself I should stop working on something. Also love that you called out the third person, this technique really resonates with me, I often journal like that as well to get perspective.

"He realizes that thinking of himself as an imperfect hero has given him a level of self-compassion that he didn’t have before. And through this reframing, he has learned that he is somebody he should root for, no matter the outcome of his actions."

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Really happy to hear it resonated with you. Interestingly that third person twist was what really unlocked the whole thing for me. Grateful we were able to connect and exchange feedback this cohort, looking forward to continuing that!

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