Recently I’ve made a few small decisions where I really didn’t know the outcome. I didn’t know if what I was doing was pointless, boring, good, worth something, whatever. But I just figured, sod it, I’ll do it. What was interesting to me was not looking for feedback in the expected places by asking ‘how did I do?’ or something. The interesting thing was how I felt afterward. It reminded me of feeling 8 years old and the smell of summer holidays; of walking to my friend’s house to go fishing.
Sometimes we carry little dilemmas around for far too long. Waiting for the right time to take action or procrastinating because we don’t know which way to go. Especially if you’re your own boss and no-one is around to give you a deadline, or tell you what to do. Remind yourself that you’re in charge. Do you need a badge? Ok, here’s your badge, put it on and make a decision. Find a line and cross it.
Feel better?
Einmal ist keinmal……isn’t that written somewhere in the front of that book? I have that exact edition somewhere in storage, bless.
Great post Mike, it really struck a chord (no pun intended). A lot of the time I get stuck in the ‘what if’ and the attendant worries of how things will come across but in the end, just making a decision and doing what you think is right at the time gets rid of at least 50% of the questions and doubts in your head.
To me, being able to look back and say, “yes that worked” or “no it didn’t work” saves a load of time on the next occasion you have to make a similar decision. Trial and error and continuous learning, amen to that!
Ah! Thanks for reminding me to think ahead to the next occasion. That’s a really effective way to nudge yourself over the line.
I have this edition too. One of my favourite books, and definitely my favourite of his. Couldn’t put it down!