006 | MISTAKES MATTER
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR NATURAL SENSE OF WONDER AND CURIOSITY?
We’ve all had an experience (or several) that made us more cautious when it comes to stretching beyond our comfort zone. We are programmed to take the easy route, because there is safety in walking the path of least resistance. While an alternative route may be more difficult, it’s possible that it could lead to greener pastures.
Many of us choose comfort over any type of difficulty in life. There’s good reason in that for major calamities, but we often fail to realize the beauty in the struggle. Because without struggle, there is no growth. We are afraid of trying and failing, but it’s failure that energizes development. This is why mistakes matter. Nothing great was ever accomplished inside of a comfort zone. You literally have to make mistakes to get better, it’s as simple as that.
Most of you are sitting around failing to try, when you should be out and about trying to fail - challenging yourselves, developing new skills, learning new things, and failing as fast as possible. Because as you fail, you learn, and adjust your course to make sure that your path is always forward.
So what is it that holds us back? Well, I can’t speak for everyone, but I think it’s safe to say most of us fear outside opinions. We all care what people think on some level, it’s just part of human nature. But if you actually unpack that, what will you find?
A young footballer might refrain from trying a specific technique in team training or a game for fear of making a mistake. Why might that player be afraid of making a mistake? Maybe they’ll hear it from their coach, they’ll lose the trust of their teammates, or they just don’t want to have a bad game. These are worst-case scenarios, and let’s say they are all are true for this particular player.
Feedback is a critical component of improvement, so the player should find the lesson in the message from their coach without getting too caught up in the emotional content of it. Respect from teammates is important to gain confidence, but the player will never earn their trust without trying. The player might fear a poor performance, but they’ll never have a good one if they refuse to take a chance from time to time. Average players do not stand out, but those who are brave and willing to take risks always do in the end. By getting to the root of that player’s fear, we can see that there is value to be gained from any experience — regardless of the outcome.
Comfort doesn’t challenge you. If it’s easy, it won’t change you. Embrace the struggle, because mistakes matter. If you are willing to take on the risk, eventually you will reap the reward.