It's Great to Suck at Something

More about the book

Discover how the freedom of sucking at something can help you build resilience, embrace imperfection, and find joy in the pursuit rather than the goal. What if the secret to resilience and joy lies in what we’ve been taught to avoid? When did you last try something new for the sheer joy of it, rather than for productivity or achievement? In this eye-opening exploration, Karen Rinaldi, a self-proclaimed sh*tty surfer, highlights our culture's obsession with perfection and productivity. We often prioritize work over play, even in childhood, where play is geared toward building impressive resumes. This relentless quest for perfection leads to anxiety and depression, leaving us unfulfilled. Rinaldi argues that the antidote lies in embracing our failures and finding something to suck at. Drawing from her two-decade journey in surfing, along with insights from philosophy, literature, and science, she emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the art of sucking for our health and sanity. By trying new things, we can rewire our brains positively, cultivate grit, and discover joy in the process rather than fixating on outcomes. Ultimately, the freedom to embrace our shortcomings can be revelatory, inviting us to open ourselves to adventure and uncover what truly matters. This book is a humorous and insightful invitation to celebrate our imperfections as essential aspects of who we are.