Don’t Let Fear of Disappointment Hold You Back
More than 15 years ago, my parents took me to Alinea, Grant Achatz’s famous restaurant in Chicago. I still remember the mesmerizing dishes that blurred the line between art and food. It was the most mind-blowing dining experience I’d ever had, and I talked about it so much over the years that April dreamed of me one day taking her.
But I’ll admit, part of me hesitated to go back. The memory was so good, I wasn’t sure the real thing could live up to it.
Last week, I finally went again. This time, with April and our kids, ages 10 and 8, because we want them to experience the full spectrum of culinary adventure (from street food to fine dining) and to appreciate the craft that goes into our industry.
Adelynn, Anthony, Ajay & April amazed by Alinea
From the arctic char topped with caramelized maple syrup and served on a charred piece of oak barrel, to a mussel presented in an edible “shell,” every dish was a work of art. There was a helium-filled sugar balloon, and a bone marrow and shrimp dish that resembled a fossil, complete with “tools” to uncover the delicacies inside. A beeswax strawberry looked exactly like the real thing, and a clear cube topped with dots of green, red, yellow, and neon chartreuse was dubbed the “Chicago-Style Hot Dog.” It looked nothing like a hot dog, but somehow tasted exactly like one.
The creativity, theater, and attention to detail were unparalleled, even better than I remembered.
It reminded me of something powerful: avoiding disappointment often means missing out on awesome opportunities.
As leaders, we do this all the time. We hold back trust because we’re afraid a team member might let us down. We set cautious goals because failure feels uncomfortable. We avoid risks that might bring great reward. We act as if disappointment will erase past success, when in reality, it’s just part of the process.
If the meal hadn’t lived up to my expectations, it would have been a bummer, but it wouldn’t have erased the first experience. And if I’d let fear of disappointment stop me, I would’ve missed an unforgettable night with my family.
Great leaders (and great lives) aren’t built by avoiding disappointment. They’re built by showing up, taking chances, and believing that sometimes, the next experience might just be even better than the last.
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Culture Training
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. Show up and take a chance! Join us at our MIBE Summit January 25th - 27th.
