Don’t you hate it when you put so much time and effort into something and you realize you were going in the wrong direction, or you realize that if you had just made a few changes here and there you would be in a completely different place.
Can I tell you over the last few years that has happened to me more times than I would like to count. I can’t even begin to tell you how many things didn’t happen because I need to make a change in direction or timing and no one told me. So, I missed out because I didn’t have a clue.
Do you know some of your best opportunities are probably laying right in front of you right now, but you could miss them totally or completely delay them because you aren’t making the right kinds of moves.
I really want you to learn from my mistakes, so I am sharing mine with you. I am writing bi-weekly and at times even daily on the Girlfriends With Goals blog, because I just don’t believe that all of us need to make the same mistakes over and over again.
Today, I just wanted to share a few pointers with you that I hope you will put into practice, so that you won’t waste all the time that I have.
First, stop being afraid to make mistakes. Say this with me…”Mistakes are part of life, I will make them so there is no sense playing everything super safe”. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Now make smart mistakes, but don’t be so afraid of making mistakes that you don’t accomplish anything. Doing anything at all with your life requires you to think about what could happen, but don’t allow yourself to become so stuck that you don’t move.
With that being said, second is don’t be stupid! Learn from the mistakes of others. The odds are, if the last three people who went down that flooded road, got their cars stuck in the water. Please don’t be car number 4! Yes, it is true that all people are not the same, but please take a GOOD look at what caused the other people to fail. They may have made a small mistake in judgement that could help you succeed, but you need to know what they did so you don’t do the same thing. Learn from the obvious, and learn from the mistakes others have made before you.
Third, ask questions! It is better to look “dumb” in the class by asking 100 questions in a place that is created for education than to go out in to the world and make dumb mistakes because you were not clear about what you were told, and you didn’t ask. Over time, I have gained the most knowledge from asking questions that most people wanted to know, but never asked. If you have a question for God sake’s ask it. It may save you tons of time, and tons of money.
Four, set time limits on your decisions based on their importance, so you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. If it takes you 2 days to figure out where you are going to eat dinner with your date you are probably over thinking things. On the other hand, if it takes you a week to figure out which surgery to have, that makes sense. Know what each situation warrants, big decisions take more time to make than little decisions. Set a time limit for decisions, based on the amount of time that the outcome will impact you. Make a habit of seeking WISE counsel! Figure out which items are really making the decision difficult for you to make, and then try a pros and cons list. Don’t waste tons of time keeping important things in the air, when you can really move forward.
Here are just a few things for you to consider. Look at my YouTube channel for videos, and check out my Facebook and Twitter feeds for valuable information that I share. In Club Commit, as we look at How to Overcome Overwhelm, I will be sharing more information. So look out for more resources and valuable information. Until later!
Aida
I have gone in the wrong direction many times in my life. You are right, you can’t be afraid to make mistakes or you will never get anywhere. Great tips Aida!
That is so true! Thank you for your support Terry
I have always believed and try to instill in my girls that “if you don’t make mistakes you can never learn anything” mistakes can be fun and messy…and worth it! You have to fail in order to succeed 🙂
Great tips! Thanks for sharing this with us!
I LOVE #4, about setting a time limit on decision making. It can literally take me 2 days to decide where to go for dinner.
I get hung up on that one too Carrie….so all of these are things that I have needed to work on over the years!
I especially agree with “ask questions”. Always make 100% sure you understand what is going on. Rather ask 1 time too often, than one time too less. Saves you lots of trouble!
Jutta I am totally with you on that one!
I am poor in making decisions sometimes. I need to straighten that out and yes, got to set limits and realistic goals.
I think it is a great reminder to learn from others mistakes…
This post couldn’t have come at a better time! Thank you for the tips and reminders.
We are trying to teach our kids that it is ok to make mistakes. Its how we react to that mistake that is important
I was just talking with a friend a few minutes ago about being afraid to step out on things because I might make a mistake. I don’t know why I am worried, mistakes are a part of life.
I love the “don’t be stupid” tip. Too many people make the same mistakes over and over whether it be business or a relationship.
Great advice! I tend to get stuck in the overanalysis paralysis trap, particularly if it’s something about the kids. (The decision on car seats, nursery decor, and the like were something that really held me up!)
Good advise. I believe that there are no dumb questions if you are trying to learn something. We must all take risk at some point and goals with time limits just make sense.
I absolutely agree with all of these, especially stop being afraid to make mistakes. I feel like I spent way too many years of my life doing just that and now I live wondering what might have happened had I not been so afraid to make big changes.
It is important to understand that mistakes happen, that is part of life. We must learn to accept that and move on towards the goal we have set for ourselves.
Great reminders! I SO very often get down on myself for making certain decisions, often the ones that I believe to be best at the time. Mistakes are okay and Questions even better:)
I have gone in the wrong direction more times than I can count. This is very good advice that you’ve posted here.
Thanks Breia
Your make some great points here. I am totally ok with making mistakes. Asking questions is a way not to make big mistakes! Thanks for sharing.
I’m always afraid of making mistakes and it’s definitely something I need to get over hopefully one day I will.
Thank you for a really interesting post.
All of these are so important but if I had to pick one it would be to ask questions. I think sometimes people think that if they ask questions, others will look at them as if they are not very bright. When I was in a management position, I welcomed questions. Made me think that the person was interested and really wanted to learn.
I certainly agree with everything you’ve listed and asking questions is definitely a plus. How else are you going to find out things if you don’t ask. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but also learn from the mistakes of others is also another great tip. Lovely post, thanks for sharing.
I really struggled with this for a long time, especially being such a perfectionist. I didn’t allow myself to make mistakes and most of the times made things worse and completely changed my direction. We need to learn that we’re going to make mistakes and we need to be humble and ask for help if we need it. And more importantly, limit yourself, don’t take more than you can handle, and always have priorities.
I think your post is spot on and great advice 🙂
Thanks Nicole I had to do work on it myself…and at times I still have to bring myself back in…
These are all great tips but number 3 is really important. I think a lot of people refrain from asking questions because they don’t want people to know they don’t know something. Refusing to ask questions is a great way to remain ignorant about something.
I agree about putting a time limit on making a choice.
I have made many mistakes and bad turns in my life. Luckily I learned from them. This is a very well written article and I thank you for sharing it.
I love this post!!! Just down right love it!!! Great Job!
Agreed. I always try to teach my kids to ask questions & that there is no such thing as a dumb question. How else are you supposed to know or learn if you don’t ask, right?
Great tips! Particularly about not being afraid to fail. That’s how we learn, right?
Very good advice! I love the one about not following the other 3 cars in. Pay attention to what works and doesn’t work for others, that’s a good idea.
I’ve been working on not taking so long to make decisions. Thanks for the other guidance as well!