In the last eight months or so, I’ve written two blog posts. Sorry about that. It’s been in part due to some sandwich generation issues. But the truth is, I’ve had writer’s block. With a shift in my work, I’ve felt increased responsibility and have had a fear of somehow getting it wrong. What better way then, to kick off a new wave of writing, than with a post on the benefits of pulling the trigger.
I hear a lot clients say that they are perfectionists. This is hogwash. To me it’s an excuse for playing small. No one wants to make a mistake. The trouble is, we need to make mistakes in order to learn and grow.
What is there to be gained from pulling the trigger, even when it’s not perfect? For starters:
- I see a lot of people base career decisions on what they have done in the past, rather than on what they are capable of. The trouble is, if you only go for what you’ve already done, it’s hard to evolve. You can’t move ahead in your organization, or you can’t make what might be a natural shift in your career.
- As a manager, if you feel the need to control everything you are much less likely to delegate, which is critical if you ever hope to lead. Too many “can do” managers get burned out doing their subordinates’ work, and never really let their teams reach their full potential. Eventually, it reflects badly on them.
- Mistakes make the learner richer. As a friend advised after I botched a public speaking engagement, “Well, you’ll never make those mistakes again.”
People tend to judge us on the entirety of who we are, not on one isolated incident. How about choosing one thing, just out of your comfort zone, and giving it a try. You may be surprised at what you learn!
All the best,
Claire