2/11/2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, DJT,

            How do you feel about failure? It’s a challenge for me. I tend to persist long after the possibility of success has passed. My 8th grade journal includes the line “I am going to try until I am blue in the face to be nice to Mom.” My failure/success ratio in that department has improved, but it has not yet reached the Goldilocks zone of 16%. That # comes from author, Adam Alter, who also claims we need to learn to “fail well.” Have you learned how to do that?

            Has ERM confused the idea of “failing fast” with the failing “well”?  I encourage you to consult with the techies at the FailureInstitute who champion the idea of holding FuckUp nights to destigmatize failure. They are now advocating, “mindful failure” which includes being considerate about the people who are affected when startups fail. Please show some of that kind of compassion for the federal workers losing their jobs right now.

            In my field, we don’t use the term, “failure,” instead we talk about “productive struggle” & in the 4th grade we recognize “marvelous mistakes.” It all boils down to not letting fear stop us from trying. We learn more when we accept that we won’t get it right every time.

            I am saying this, because I think you have taken several missteps lately, which I hope you will acknowledge. You could start this process by today acknowledging that talking about turning Gaza into a “Riviera” was a blunder. King Abdullah will be relieved to hear that. He might even be able to help you craft an exit strategy so you can save face.

            As you consider failed attempts, please talk to Ivanka about USAID. I’m sure she’s disappointed that her Global Development & Prosperity Initiative, which was supposed to help 50 million women "realize their economic potential" by 2025, has been shut down. She may be able to help you come up with a remedy for that misstep.

            As you embrace your failures, you will be setting an example for folks like Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who is failing on so many fronts in Burma.

            Enough about failure.

            How did Theo enjoy the Superbowl? Folks notice he was hypervigilant when walking around with you. Did he ever relax?

            Speaking of grandchildren, I suggest that you ask the King about his. As I hope you know, his first one was a girl born in August & he has another on the way. A recent photo of him with Princess Iman shows his devotion for her. When Tiffany’s baby is born, I hope you show the world a similar photo to illustrate your humanity.

            BYBS,