So the other night, I was taking a look at a pretty old video by Tim Ferriss (if you love lifestyle design, I’m sure you already know who he is) in which he claimed he could teach people how to “tie the perfect tie“.
It being a pretty tame Friday night in the suburbs, I decided to try my luck, get an old tie, and see just how good Tim’s advice was. If you watch the video, Tim gives clear instructions on everything he does. It’s easy to see his finger movements, he doesn’t go too fast (even so, that’s what the pause button is for), and he pauses every so often to explain the steps.
It seemed pretty simple. Even as a first-time tier, I was fairly confident that I’d pull it off without a hitch. Well, you can guess what happened next.
I foolishly assumed to myself, “Well, duh. I’m not going to get it the first time. I’ll just do it again.” And that’s exactly what I did. I did it again…and again…and again…and again…and…
“THAT’S IT!” I said as I ripped the mangled tie off of my neck. There was really no point in trying anymore. I couldn’t do it. But, just then, all the knowledge and common sense I’ve gained throughout life came flooding back to me. It hit me. This is exactly what’s supposed to happen.
Life is full of knots, but you can always untie them
You’re supposed to try and fail, and try and fail again. This is life. No one smart or stupid, old or young, pretty or ugly, religious or godless can deviate from this path. We make mistakes. Falling down is frequent and usually unforgiving.
I can’t count how many times I’ve tried to do it just right, to tie the perfect tie. The tie would get knotted up, or it would be too loose, prompting me to start all over again. With every mistake I became more and more frustrated.
Nonetheless, I always knew that I had the ability to try again. The ball was in my court. I could either give up now and blame the tie for not tying right (yeah, blaming inanimate objects is smart) or I could take responsibility and starting tying.
Behold, the Perfect Tie
It took me about a half hour to get it right, but I finally pulled it off. Alright, so it wasn’t the best tie ever created, but it was a far cry from where I was initially. It just goes to show that with a little confidence and a LOT of willpower and patience, you can do almost anything.
It’s only fitting that I end on this quote:
“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
P.S. Want to see my tie?
Um, about the shirt… yeah, I needed something to wear the tie with. Hey, at least it almost matches 
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21 comments to “What You Can Learn From Tying a Tie”
John,
Nice shirt (and tie)!!!
The message, here, though, is a very good one. We have only failed if we stop trying. Perseverance and a belief in what could be got you there! This was just a tie (and nicely done at that…) – it apples to our life in so many ways, though. It’s about believing and then keeping at it…and success is there for all of us!
Thanks, Lance! It was all perseverance and the wisdom of of Tim’s teacher. It took a lot, but it was worth it. I can finally tie a tie! I just love how something so practical can be applied to the bigger journeys in life.
This is a brilliant analogy for life. THanks for sharing and I love the shirt. It looks like a party!
Glad you you liked it Tess! Ha ha, yeah, party on.
That was a good one. I liked the analogy and the way it all came together. It is such an important point. It really is easy to get frustrated when things don’t fall into place as quickly and exactly as you would have liked. However, the reality is that it truly is all about the journey and what you learn along the way. Good one John.
Hey Sibyl, happy you enjoyed it so much. My friends gave me much input on the journey of life on my last video post. The fact that it all came together while learning to tie a tie was really eye-opening. Thanks for being here and hope your life is going well – ups and downs included
Yeah when I saw that video I didn’t get perfect the first time either. A couple of tries later though, I now tie a perfect tie every time.
Hey Anthony! Welcome to the blog!
Ha ha, yeah, I thought that video would be a quick fix (man was I wrong). But now, like you, I can tell everyone that I can make the perfect tie. Such an awesome accomplishment
Nice message Jay, especially one that comes from tying a tie lol.
The only failure that exists is the failure that we have in mind, that is the only obstacle that defines us as failures. If we oppose the mindset and face reality, then persistence lead us to success in some point.
Not doing something has a 0% of success, that’s the reality of things.
Steven
Steven! What’s up, my friend! How’s the blogging life treating you?
My favorite quote from your comment: “Not doing something has a 0% of success, that’s the reality of things.”
So true. I wouldn’t be where I am today without pure action
lol~
This is so creative but yes lose the shirt! OH ! I don’t mean it naughty like but you know. ha ha
My favorite saying is” when hit with obstacles turn them into opportunities.” There is always a possessive where there is a negative you just have to realize what it is and run with it
Keep up the great writing. I enjoy this blog and your inner child coming out is perfect.
Ha ha, don’t worry about it. Very funny though
That shirt was the only “dressy” one I could find on such short notice. I don’t usually where dress shirts.
But yeah, love the quote. Positives lie everywhere: we just have to look harder.
Thanks for all of your support and kindness! You’re a good friend
What an incredible message! Your the very first in a life time of people who could give me a good reason for a neck tie — even if it is just as an object lesson. Brilliant! Thank you very much.
Blessings,
Jerry
Hey Jerry! Nice to meet you and welcome to the blog!
Wearing a neck tie should be a sign of triumph – that you’ve overcome the frustration that comes with tying a tie and wear it proudly on your neck.
Glad you liked the message and thanks for your blessing
I loved the article but but that was a killer quote:
“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Ha ha, yeah FDR holds much wisdom. Still one of the greatest presidents in US history.
Hey John,
Just going back through my emails and saw that I missed this post a while ago!
Another great post. I really enjoyed it.. it brings back to memory a quote that I read: “You miss 100% the shots you don’t take” or adapt it a bit to say: “We fail 100% the things we don’t try…”.
Have a great week and keep up the great writing!
K
Oh no! How could you!
It’s cool, I’m glad you still liked the post enough to comment.
I like that adaptation. Time to store it in the old memory bank.
I’ll do my best to write something worth reading. Thank you, Kirsty.