What this quote means

David Letterman's statement reveals a life philosophy centered on excellence rather than fear of failure. By reducing his fears to just one thing – a bad show – he shows that motivation comes from passion for one's craft. In life, focusing on what we can control and on the quality of our work helps us overcome anxiety. It's an invitation to give our best.

How to apply it daily

Identify what is truly important to you in your work, and focus on excellence in that area rather than on fears.