Giving Myself an A for 2026

In “The Art of Possibility”, Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Zander wrote about a technique that I found to be absolutely useful in lifting myself out of a shitty state.

It’s called Giving an A.

In the book, Benjamin shared about a story where he would walk into his music class and declare that everyone will get an A for the class. And the only requirement for getting this A is to write him a letter describing why they got the A.

“Each student in this class will get an A for the course,” I announce. “However, there is one requirement that you must fulfill to earn this grade: Sometime during the next two weeks, you must write me a letter dated next May, which begins with the words, ‘Dear Mr. Zander, I got my A because …,’ and in this letter you are to tell, in as much detail as you can, the story of what will have happened to you by next May that is in line with this extraordinary grade.”

There are numerous examples in the book — and online — so I’d leave you to find them if you desire.

Giving Myself an A for 2026

I’ve decided to give this a try since I was already down and out. So here’s my letter to myself about why I’m giving myself an A for 2026.

It’s been 3 months since I wrote this. I’ve been much better compared to before.

Giving myself an A this year because I have stopped stopping myself, and I allowed myself to create according to the flows that I’m receiving from the universe. I have learned to let go of my fears and barriers and stepped into the rivers where the fortune flows. I’ve stopped worrying about whether I’m selfish or generous, and I’m living everyday, giving as I wish to, and not overextending myself to give.

I’ve also learned how to overcome my disappointments with myself and others so they no longer hold weight in my thoughts and actions.

I’ve lived most days with love and joy. I don’t see mistakes as shameful and I no longer shame myself or others. I’ve been able to be of service to myself and others even while mistakes were made.

I’ve also stopped being afraid of other people and became able to live life without catering to anyone’s whims and fancies.

I am also no longer afraid, no longer feel awkward, apologetic about asking for help and receiving help from people I can trust and entities I can trust. I am comfortable when spending time with them.

I no longer feel like I owe a debt when receiving help, service, or guidance from anyone. And I can just be in my relationships with them.

I no longer resist interacting with my tools and guardians. I actively interact with them.

A while later, after sharing these with a bunch of friends, they’ve decided to up the ante and embark on an A* journey instead.

While I resisted vehemently initially, I’ve chosen to give that a try as well. So here’s the addendum to give myself an A* for the year.

I’ve stopped allowing others to stop me, unless the reason is truly beneficial for both of us. And I have learned to tell when is what.

I’ve become able to express my truths to anyone I wish to. And become able to communicate with and lead a crowd.

I’ve stopped putting my desires, pleasures, expectations, and beliefs on others, and I have learned to see what they desire, want, wish, and what they feel pulled towards. And I have found ways to bridge that via services, products, and marketing.

I’ve learned to speak and behave appropriately in most situations.

I’ve become wiser in my choices in life, business, family, and money. And I have results to show for each of these categories.

And finally, I stopped resenting A* and stopped resisting it.

I am comfortable going where I am uncomfortable to go, recursively expanding my comfort zone

Stepping into reality

Ultimately, we co-create reality. So the vision we have for ourselves when giving ourselves the highest grades will help us step into the being we truly wanna be.

I hope this article and example serve you.