Yesterday I began a series of interviews with Andrew Shearman.

For some strange reason, it helps us to know that those we look up to have struggled in the same we  struggle.  There's a mechanism in us that is always comparing our experience with others.  It's how we calibrate our perceptions; it's how we recognize what "normal" is.

So when Shearman, a man I look up to, talks about having come to the end of himself, somehow I'm encouraged.  I think, "Hey, here's a man who has it all together, yet, it didn't play out so easy or wonderful for him.  Maybe there's hope for a guy like me." Can you relate to that?  If others struggle, then if you feel like you're floundering, maybe you're not such a chump after all.  Maybe you and I still have a shot.

We had this and a series of conversations (that I'll post next week) at a hotel in Dallas.