So last night I’m on a neighborhood run with my dog, Aggie.

Normally I’m not big on “city” runs. The concrete hurts my knees and the cars scare the sheeples outta me.

But, I *just* got a new hydration vest from REI and was excited to try it out. So I figured why not!?

(Oh how very, very misguided I was …)

Now when I run, I typically keep my phone — without case — in the front mesh pocket of my vest.

Mostly so I can take pics of Aggie.

Or in this case, change which J. Cole track I’m blasting through my headphones.

And usually my phone stays secure.

But like I said … this is a NEW vest.

So you can imagine the horrified, slow-mo look on my face as I trip on a tree root, stumble over, and watch my caseless, non-Apple-care-covered iPhone 12 catapult through the air …

Collide with the cement …

And slide 6 feet across the sidewalk.

I nervously flip the phone over to see the damage.

The back glass is fully shattered. One of the cameras is busted, too.

Uuuuuuugh.

Look … I’m not a materialistic person. But two nights ago, Aggie also managed to chew my favorite glasses into a new modern art sculpture.

And now this!?

Feels like the universe is trying to send me a message.

Something important …

Some sort of sage wisdom like …

“Use a freakin’ phone case when you run, David!”

Lol.

Jokes aside, it does remind me that in order to be a strong copywriter, you have to be a bit antifragile.

Between my chewed up glasses and a smashed phone in 2 days, this was a good reminder for me.

Because it’s STILL something I struggle with.

Here’s what helps me: Looking at copywriting as a constant “journey of learning.”

Especially when I have to defend the choices I make to clients or my boss.

Or when I run a test that I thought would be a smashing* success — but it utterly fails.

And definitely when that terrible, creeping monster of imposter syndrome rears its head.

Through the “journey of learning” lens, each of these problems becomes a chance for me to grow.

Who knows. Maybe it could help you too.

David Patrick

*Pun intended.