The Monkey the Cat Podcast

“Confidence Grows Through Practice, Not Perfection” Episode 69

Don Fessenden Season 1 Episode 69

"Hi friends! 🐾 I’m Monkey, your favorite talking cat, and today I want to share something really important with you… especially if you’ve ever tried something and felt like giving up.

Today’s lesson is simple but powerful:
 Confidence grows through practice—not perfection.


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Tyler:

"Hi friends! I’m Monkey, your favorite talking cat, and today I want to share something really important with you… especially if you’ve ever tried something and felt like giving up. Today’s lesson is simple but powerful: Confidence grows through practice—not perfection. Let me tell you how I learned that the furry way.""A few days ago, I decided I wanted to play piano like Dad. He’s been practicing in the living room after work—he’s a teacher, but music is his fun hobby. He makes it look so easy! His fingers fly, the music flows, and even Max the parrot stays quiet to listen. So, I waited until everyone was in the kitchen, jumped up on the bench… and POUNCED on the keys. SQUONK. BLEEP. HONK. It sounded like a goose sneezing in a rainstorm. I felt embarrassed. I wanted to quit. But Mom, who’s an accountant and super good with details, peeked in and said,‘Monkey, no one gets it right at the beginning. Try again—just one note at a time.’ So I did. The next day, I played two notes that actually went together. The day after that—three. Then four. And guess what? My paws started to move smoother. I felt more focused. And even Max shouted,‘Not bad!’ instead of covering his ears.""I still make mistakes. Lots of them. But I don’t give up—and every time I try, my confidence grows a little more. Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from practicing and allowing yourself to keep trying. Each time you show up, you’re building something powerful inside you. So whether you're learning to read, ride a bike, draw, or do math—don’t worry about getting it right the first time. Be proud of your practice. I’m Monkey, and I believe you’re growing braver and stronger every day… one try at a time. Bye for now!"