“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” ~Elbert Hubbard, The Note Book, 1927

Leadership and life are a continual learning process. To learn is to engage in new situations and experiences. This ability to step into fresh experiences and learning keeps leaders strong, capable and centered.

“Why?”, you ask…

Because Leaders may not have all the knowledge of where they are going, but they do have knowledge of how to learn and grow in any situation. Leaders are not afraid of making mistakes, in fact they are afraid they won’t make one ….which means they have grown complacent.

“It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something.” ~Ornette Coleman

Making mistakes are a true and bold sign of learning and growth. Once you get the hang of it you see the value in being wrong or your concepts not quite working…it means you are in the place of growth, objectivity, inspection and learning. Mistakes are a clear sign of forward movement.

“While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior.” ~Henry C. Link

It easy to stand in “the spectator seats” and observe what others are doing wrong. It is harder and more rewarding to be on “the playing field” making mistakes and finding a path forward. You have to decide what do you want to be a “spectator” or a “player”?

The choice is up to you. One choice has less personal impact and keeps you comfortable….the other choice will keep you in the game, you will rarely be comfortable, and you will certainly say “ouch” more than just a few times.

Make your choice….. “comfort” or “ouch”?

Engage,

Bobbie Goheen