As a high-achieving woman, you know how to crush goals. You set the bar high, exceed expectations, and handle things on your own because…of course you do! But if we’re being really honest, doesn’t that leave you feeling like you can’t afford to fail or show weakness or be seen as anything less than perfect?

I’ve been there.

And what I’ve learned (and keep relearning) is this: the moments where we’re willing to be vulnerable — to be messy, to be a beginner, to risk rejection — are the very moments that unlock our next level of success, fulfillment, and joy.

This week, I “walked the walk” in two very different (and very vulnerable) ways.

Lesson One: Becoming a True Beginner Again

Confession: I don’t usually do things I’m not good at. (Maybe you relate?)

Pilates? I started Pilates when I was 15 years old as part of the curriculum at the Ballet Academy I attended. I hated it because it was hard and exposed all the places I wasn’t strong. Which, of course, is why I needed it most. But I really preferred doing things I was already good at…

Fast forward to 2025: my coach challenged me this summer to try something I knew I wouldn’t be instantly good at. Cue the eye roll AND she was right — being a beginner cracks you open in ways nothing else can.

So I signed up for my first piano lesson since 1991.

Sitting down at the keys felt exhilarating, terrifying, awkward, and… fun. My left hand forgot it existed, I made mistakes, and I giggled through the whole thing. And I left with a goal: to accompany myself for at least one song in my next one-woman show.

Why am I telling you this? Because showing up for something I might fail at reminded me how alive it feels to risk, to learn, to grow.

Lesson Two: Risking Rejection

The second vulnerable thing I did? I queried a literary agent.

I’ve been working on a book proposal for a while now, and hitting “send” on that email felt like standing on stage in a leotard saying, pick me! It was raw, scary, and completely out of my control.

Will they respond? I don’t know. Will they say yes? Maybe. Will they ignore me completely? Probably.

But my book will never happen if I don’t risk being rejected. And neither will yours — whether “your book” is an actual manuscript, a business idea, a new career, or a love you’re dreaming of.

Vulnerability Is the Shortcut to Your Next Level

These experiences remind me of something I see in my clients every day: the courage it takes to show up.

When you step into my class, log into a Zoom session, or listen to this podcast, you’re trusting me with your body, your time, your energy. That’s not a small thing! And it’s why I feel so strongly about calling BS on the toxic, gimmicky advice floating around the internet.

Because your humanity — your tender, imperfect, brave, messy self — is exactly what will get you where you want to go.

Not the curated version of you who never makes mistakes. Not the overachiever who hides behind perfection.

The vulnerable you.

Your Turn: What’s Your “Piano Lesson”?

I want to ask you:
* What’s one way you could risk vulnerability this week?
* What’s one thing you could try, knowing you might “suck at it” — and do it anyway?

It could be as small as saying no to something you don’t want to do, or as big as launching the project you’ve been sitting on for years.

Whatever it is, remember: vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the doorway to your joy, fulfillment, and next level of success.

Final Thoughts

Walking the walk doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being brave enough to show up, even when you don’t know what will happen.

So go take your version of the piano lesson. Send the email. Make the ask. Try the thing.

And remember: I’ve got your back, your front, and your undercarriage. Always.