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“Do not fear mistakes. There are none.”
– Miles Davis, American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer.
“But what if it’s the wrong decision? What then?”
These words I heard recently from someone, but to be fair, it’s an all too common phrase I’ve heard over the years – including from myself.
Ultimately the person I was chatting with had a an underlying fear of making a mistake. But the real mistake was allowing themselves to be stuck in limbo – and the resulting impact on their energy, mood and focus was very significant.
Miles Davis is renowned as being one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music. He was a master of improvisation, accepting what came and creating the best from there.
Few decisions are irreversible, and so once a decision is made you will see if it’s the path you really want to take.
Many smart, ambitious people can get caught in the trap of indecision and then beat themselves up about ‘being indecisive’ or ‘being a procrastinator’.
People will often rattle off statements like “There is no such thing as failure, there is only learning” but when you look at their lives, they don’t really live like that. Quotes and bumper sticker statements are all too easy to say but it takes a different level of commitment to really live by them.
See if this strikes a chord with you this week:
Take the ‘Miles Davis Approach’ and every day, tell yourself that there are no mistakes. Reflect on what you’re hesitating on. Consider where you might be fearful of making an error or stepping into the unknown.
And then just jump in.
Shane
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New Podcast Episode: The latest episode is titled ‘When You’re Having A Bad Day/Week/Month/Year!’ Listen on my website or on all major podcast platforms.
Peak Performance In The 21st Century: How To Be At Your Best In The Age Of Uncertainty.
1 hour of thought provoking content to help you be more at your best. Access here.
The Thrive Experience: The response to my email last week took me by surprise so I’ve closed the applications for this years unique retreat for leaders. Applications are being taken for the 2022 event here.
