Think less. Do more.
A recent idea for a project was going to require some problem-solving.
Things in my life this week feel extraordinarily complicated. Craziness is firing on all cylinders, and much of my free time has been drowned away in worry and doubt.
Resolving the project was going to push me beyond my current skill set. It was going to lead me out of my comfort zone and force me to take a hard look at my mistakes.
Originally, I tried to solve the problem the way I always do — by thinking, plotting, and obsessing over it.
Obsessing, though it is my preferred mode, is not always the best way to solve problems. Even cognitive ones.
Sometimes, taking a breath and getting to work is the only thing to do.
I needed this reminder — to stand still and tackle one hurdle at a time. To slow down and peacefully experiment. To stop rushing and obsessing and pushing. To take action, but calmly. To give myself permission to fail, but insist on trying anyway.
Think less. Do more.
No related posts.
Giving myself permission to make mistakes, to not have it be perfect the first time. Boy ain’t that the truth! When I was growing up, my Dad had a saying he quoted all the time, “We learn by doing.”
I had no idea what a truism that would become for me, the older I get!
Comment by Leslie — 18 March 2009 @ 1:39 pm
@Leslie: I really think this is one of the great revelations of my life. How lucky of you to live with someone for so long who already understood it.
Comment by Mal — 18 March 2009 @ 9:21 pm
I finally heard someone say “anything worth doing well is worth learning to do, and that is full of mistakes” and that was when i could finally let go of what i thought I was doing and start exploring in a more interesting way the things that interested me.
I think the mosaic of circles is completely gorgeous, and I wish I’d made it!
Comment by lee — 20 March 2009 @ 7:22 pm
@lee: That’s a great way to phrase it! This is a lesson that I wish I had learned in my childhood, but the wisdom of adulthood has started to kick in a little bit. Glad you enjoyed the mosaic!
Comment by Mal — 23 March 2009 @ 7:42 am
love the circular orangetabulous collection of pics! zesty!
Comment by aneela — 25 March 2009 @ 1:32 pm
@aneela: Thank you! I have way too much fun with mosaics.
Comment by Mal — 26 March 2009 @ 3:39 pm