A beginner mistake I am weirdly glad I made after a tiny failure

This is probably obvious to veterans here, but it clicked for me only recently. gear got easier when I stopped treating every attempt like a final exam.

I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.

Would love to hear how other people handle this. I am especially curious about the version that works on a tired weekday, not just on an ideal Sunday