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p style=”font-family:"”>When you move too fast
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p style=”font-family:"”>The obvious, at times, missed
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p style=”font-family:"”>Which slows me down
A blogger near Seattle
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The second best time is now.”
– Chinese or African Proverb
I’ve heard the quote above attributed to both the Chinese and Africans. At some point, I should spend a little time with Google and answer that definitively. But, really, today the origination of the quote isn’t my concern.
At times I get stuck fretting about the fact I “didn’t start this sooner”. I frustrate myself with that mindset, but it became reflexive. And I lose time and energy with this. >0 time or energy on this mindset: too much.
Lamenting the past is a foolish exercise. Living live with no regrets is not about not making mistakes. Rather accepting that mistakes and poor choices are part of the package. Make the best choices you can, learn from the negatives, then move forward. I need to remind myself constantly, though.
If it’s valuable, do it. Start. There is not better time than now. Really!
Saying “No” to opportunities…a huge challenge for me. Mastering this provides key benefits. The biggest? Focus. The more time and energy directed towards the things that matter, that we value, the more we accomplish. Related to that: distractions. Saying “yes” too often ensures a distracted, unfocused, confused life. One with missed deadlines, people left hanging, and the burden of extra stress. Damage that community too much and you become branded as someone unreliable.
Protecting our focus matters greatly. What else do we have? Life is just a collection of moments. We don’t get them back. It’s critical to spend our time doing things that we value. That’s the path to a satisfying life.
Currently, I find it challenging to deal with all the world’s negativity. Power, control and cache get granted to those who “pwn” the strongest. We relish the putting down, degradation and humiliation of those we deem “enemy” or other.
Long ago, I committed to living life the opposite way. Seeking ways to build up my community, even those I disagree with. Asking how we can find common ground, especially in this age.
After checking the news (inadvisable at times), I feel it important to re-commit to that path. Perhaps even more boldly, with greater energy.
“Let’s find the win-win in this life” I tell myself as the sirens pass by.
This flowed into my inbox moments ago. I like it!

Now, let’s be clear, it’s also uncomfortable. This speaks to me because, well, it IS me. I work hard to face mistakes, use them to make myself better. But fear plays a loud part. I hate looking/feeling incompetent. Really, though, that’s my label. My self-talk…talking. I need to remember to tell it to shut up. Often! At least always.
How do you deal with mistakes? How do you make such things positives? Let me know in the comments below.
A challenge of mine
As with so many others
Launch my idea
I, for one, find it hard to actually take my ideas, my dreams live. The action of making it real has risk, the chance of failure. Lately, though, I’ve read so very much about the value of failure. I need to work at controlling those fears, ensuring I’m effective and moving forward with accomplishing my dreams.
I love this one by Jorge Cham of PhD comics.
Reminds me of all the times that I’ve had anxiety attacks when asked to push outside of my boundaries. So, a few things to remember:
Alrighty, back to your regularly scheduled Thursday.