Mistakes are made every day. I am living proof of this.
My mother told me at the tender age of 10 that I was a “little surprise.” At the time, it puzzled me; why did she say that? I wasn’t being naughty, or at least that’s how I remember it, though my memory may not be perfect after 58 years. I didn’t know how to interpret her comment. She did follow up by saying, “Oh, but we are glad you are here.” However, in my ten-year-old mind, that only sent her words spiralling down a negative rabbit hole.
I was young and inexperienced in the nuances of life. I felt a twinge of, “Oh, who am I then?” A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and I still wonder: why was I a “little surprise”?
Mistakes happen, and unexpected results can follow. I am a surprising surprise, or mistake. And every day I thank God for this, for the breath in my lungs, and the amazing possibilities each new day brings.
My parents must have had an edgy, heated moment back in July 1957, likely thinking; “Should we be doing this?” “We are not ready,” “It’s the wrong timing,” and “What if?” But passion took over, and in April 1958, the “surprise” arrived. That little mistake is now 68 and loving life.
From my experience, there are two key things to consider when it comes to mistakes: First, do your best to learn from them as quickly as possible. Second, recognize that mistakes are inevitable.
From a business perspective, or even when trying something new and daring in the literary world: doubt, questioning, and second-guessing are normal processes.
What is tragic, and a mind-twisting thought for me as I sit here writing, is that if my parents had been more cautious, more risk-adverse, and had planned more thoroughly, I might never have existed. If they had conducted a SWOT analysis, sought someone else’s opinion to confirm the idea’s viability, attended a few seminars, or engaged a coach… or if one of my older siblings had started crying in the next room, I would have never been born – never thought of, never missed, never anything.
In one glorious moment, that “mistake” led to my arrival nine months later.
So, from that sad twinge the ten-year-old boy felt all those years ago, here I am – able to share my story and encourage you.
Your bold and exciting ideas may be edgy and could lead to unexpected outcomes.
While risks need to be calculated and planning is essential, not taking that first step toward your dream is a tragedy, a soul-shrivelling, debilitating stance that will weigh you down.
Don’t fear making mistakes. Instead, fear more not pursuing your dreams and risking what could have been.
“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” –
Elbert Hubbard 1856-1915.