It seems that I have more problems when I decide to walk my talk than if I just sit around jabbering like a parrot. More action brings more challenges brings more problems. Why is that? THAT’S EVOLUTION!
The increase of problems makes it seem like I am going backwards, but that’s not true. The truth is that when I am actualizing my aspirations I am living in a world of continual error and my journey is COURSE CORRECTION. Every new action begins with error that needs correction.
To sail from point A to point B is a journey of a thousand zig-zags (all needing a correction). Reminding myself of this ‘zig-zag fact’ has me look at my errors with eager anticipation (a solution is right around the corner).
If action didn’t begin with error, there’d be nothing to learn. What’s the purpose of living if we are not constantly learning how to express our infinite nature in fresh and new ways?
All four of my successful restaurants began in debt. All of my real estate development projects had mistakes that I had to tweak and retake a thousand different ways before I could stand back and say: “By Jove I got it!”
I have a home on the Atlantic Ocean and one on the Pacific Ocean, and no matter which one I am at, there is always something that needs doing. That used to agitate me. Now it thrills me – I’m alive, still growing!
When I realized that I am never going to get it all done and I will never get it all done right – I was able to let go of any ‘poor me’ attitude that was gripping me to any degree. I could clearly see that if I am to put all of myself into life, then it will always be a COURSE CORRECT JOURNEY that I am on. Sweet victory!
Can you share a COURSE CORRECT experience that you’ve had? I will respond to your comments. Thank you.
When I first started to interview people for my blog, I was nervous on how to do it. I went to a forum and asked people how to conduct a good interview with people. I got about a hundred different ways to do so. I realized the reason I was hesitant in the first place was because I wanted myself to sound perfect. But once I let that go, I was able to act more freely and speak more comfortably. I learned that you can’t be perfect on your first try. You have to learn from your mistakes and correct them as you go through your journey. Now, one of the things that I actually like about the interviews is that they sound more authentic because people are being who they are. Great article Rob. Thanks for sharing this.
I love the way you took this blog and applied it to your personal experiences so that others may see more clearly how it can help them. You are a ‘giver’, Hulbert, thank you.
Very nice article Rob. Many people think of the problems that they experience as something “bad.” On the contrary, these problems or mistakes are what make us grow. When I was taking some acting lessons back in college, I used to be obsessed to do my part without mistakes. Once I let go of my obsession to be perfect and to do my scene perfectly, things started to improve and work in my favor and I learned if I do a mistake or face a problem, then that is fine too. I basically changed the way I think about the situations. Thanks for sharing Rob, great post
YES, Dia, folks think that when they are in error there is something erroneous with them. That is where things go wrong. They then begin to protect (their egos) rather than correct their behavior. When we protect rather than correct, we stop growing. Thanks for the real life example (your acting experience).
I’ve had the same experience of realizing I’m never going to get everything done right, or even done at all.
I love to garden, and every day there are new weeds that pop up, a rain storm that keeps me indoors, or rabbits that eat the new beans. The garden I have each summer is never the one I plan in the spring, but it is what it is.
Nature has a way of reminding me of the course correct journey I’m on
That is a perfect example (gardening) of never getting things done perfectly right, Jean. Even when you correct, nature has a trick up her sleeve. Can I use that in my next book? Thank you.
Hi Rob,
Are you getting inside my head somehow?
I’ve been procrastinating terribly for some time now at getting my business up and running.Fear seemed to have slithered in using a back route and I didn’t , (until a couple of weeks ago) even realize that it was there.
Fortunately, I got it and have actually started building prototypes of my product complete with flaws, mistakes,and problems.
Now, I’ve stopped worrying about them as I will find the solutions as I move ahead,and I’m having a great time doing it!
Thanks, Jenny, for letting me know that my blog has helped you see things more clearly. Everything begins in error – even birth. It’s not an easy job for the baby or for mom. If there were no errors, it would be a ‘piece of cake’, and I’m told, “it ain’t”. So, the secret to success is to OOPS your way forward. Blessings with your prototypes.
Thanks for that!
I love “Oops your way forward!”
Hi Rob,
Aaah, course correction – my whole life has been one course correction after the other. But, I have learned many lessons along the way. The most important one being that I cannot do something just for the money it pays me – I have to be passionate about it.
15 years ago I left a management position in finance and all the golden handcuffs they throw at you to pursue more education in what I was passionate about – journalism. I thought I’d never go back into finance but my old foe Money showed up again. I thought I’d just hang around with him for a little while until I got back on my feet and paid off my student loans – but here I am still hand in hand with him. No, this time I’m giving him his marching orders. I’ve learned my lesson.
I’m course correcting again.
Thanks Rob for another insightful post.
nice one Angela. yes, money is definitely a fail-forward game. no one just makes money without losing sometimes. As long as we learn our life-lessons, we find that we fail less than we gain and money becomes abundant. I went from zero to oodles of noodles with real estate development and restaurant projects, and I found out that the biggest tip I lerned about money is that you have to MAKE YOUR CLAIM. If you really feeeeel deserving, then you attract money to you. Feeeeling deserving can take time. I was into poverty and it took me a while to let that mentality go. Thank you for the great feedback.
I like it Rob
“If action didn’t begin with error, there’d be nothing to learn.”
That is so true but most of us think that we should be able to get it right first time.
Can I share a “COURSE CORRECT” experience?
I could share lots but the one that sticks in my mind is my early attempts at understanding and writing CSS styling for simple html websites.
I spent hours having a go… looking at the result… seeing that it was all wrong… looking for solutions on the web and starting all over again.
Sometimes I would go to bed not having found a solution and start again next day.
COURE CORRECTION? That was COURSE CORRECTION… big time!
Hey keith, I like your ‘COURSE CORRECTION BIG TIME’ example. It is quickly understandable. What is great about COURSE CORRECTION is this; ‘if you do it once, you can do it twice … and if you do it twice, you can do it a thousand times … and if you do it a thousand times, you can do it for a lifetime!
thank you
Hi Rob,
Wow, I had no idea you had so many “start-up” business projects, very impressed and inspiring to hear.
I always say that the best thing in starting something new can be scary, but it’s also very exciting to have the possibility to create something wonderful from scratch.
hope you’re doing well, buddy.
–Parker
Thanks for the acknowledgment, Parker Lee. We all create epochs in our lives (that is if we intend to take our life-experiences beyond what the usual drift of life offers). I suspect that you are a start-up kind of person, Parker Lee … simply because your mind seems to be fascinated by it. Blessings
Rob,
I did not know you were in real estate and restaurant business! Neat!
Zigzag learning curve is great way to look at the trials and errors of life. You are right, if your first step was correct then there was no opportunity to learn or you have learned from your past errors. Either way, you are moving on forward.
Sometimes, I lead life even with lot of trials and errors without any correct move, yet it is learning, slow and frustrating learning but learning indeed.
Thanks for this article and Angela’s article, I know I am on track as I am making tons of mistakes right now
Do you know what I call the mistakes I make, Zengirl? I call the mistakes that I make = MISS-TAKES …. they are miss-takes that require a re-take. And when I’ve refined my action and I get the re-take right, I pick up the megaphone (like a Hollywood movie director) and say, “That’s a take!” Yes, you are learning a lot from your current zig-zag journey; I love your attitude.
Rob,
Either we choose to be frustrated with life’s lemons or we learn to make lemon curd from it. I am still making many miss-takes
and that is one thing I know I am still learning and I am life long student. Gotta keep Zen attitude, although I have my moments of peaks and lows.
Parenting! My daughters range from 33 – 37 and sometimes I still zig zag. When I was a young parent I thought what I learned with one I could apply to the next…wrong. Some things sure but because of their individual personalities nothing it seems was one size fits all. One of the four girls and I don’t have a relationship at least not on speaking terms. She refuses to forgive me for the errors I made. We certainly can’t move forward until she does. That may never happen. I can go back in time and change things. I’ve accepted it may always be this way and sometimes acceptance is all I can do. A parent doesn’t owe a child perfection. There is no such thing. Part of the problem is she’s a twin. There were no fertility drugs involved. I never asked for twins. Thinking back for every action I took I had to choose one over the other everyday. Her twin was physically challenged. Guess who I chose first the most.
Tess, you are a beautiful person. I thank you for sharing your story with us. You did the best you could do (raising your children)with the resources you had available at the time. We all do the best parenting job we can do. No one sets out to do harm. You always made what seemed to you like the right choices. I am glad that you recognize that and forgive yourself for any mistakes that you made. No, we cannot reverse the rotation of the planet (like Superman did); we cannot go back in time and change things. It is important that we accept what was, learn all that we can from it, and move on. I hope you and your daughter get a chance to sit and really communicate about your relationship. What there is underneath all of the pain … is LOVE… PURE LOVE. blessings.
Tess,
I had to reply as I know this well. I have 2 kids and both are so different. Until now I thought I was a good parent but I am realizing it is not me, but my first child was good himself
and my second one is good in his own ways, but just different. I am making many Miss-Takes there as well, and hope I am learning along with it.
I love this blog. I am always learning from my mistakes now that I know my entire life is a zig zag journey. Just yesterday, I approached my neighbor in an angry manner about his dirty rubbish barrels. I went back today and cleaned them myself. I love my own correction. Bonus: he said, ‘thank you’.
I always want to be there for my friends and family, and so I’ll go out of my way to include them in the things I do. Months ago, my buddy invited me out to an event, but I was going to another party that night. Not wanting to say, “no” I invited him to the party I was going to that night. When I got off the phone I realized it wasn’t my party to invite him to and that I shouldn’t have complicated the situation like that. Normally I would have let that stress me out, but instead I stopped myself, and said “ok what can I learn from this?” I took the time to look at the situation and realized I should have just said, “No, dude, I’m busy tonight. I’ll catch up with you another time this week.” Through that situation I not only learned how to look at my mistakes in a fresh new way – an opportunity to learn something, but I also learned how to say no to people.
My biggest lesson this year has been accepting that I’m not perfect, and looking at my mistakes in a fresh new way. Mistakes can be devastating or wonderful gifts of learning depending on our attitude. Thanks, Rob.
I am certain that you learned something from that incident, Terrence, simply because you spoke it so clearly (with no guilt showing). Indeed, all of our choices are the best we can think of making in the moment. The person who keeps growing (like you- Terrence) is the person who has the courage to ask, “What can I learn from this?”… when the choice proves to be the wrong one. Thank you.
Hehe, I’m not very good at talking about doing things. It soon bores me and I have to jump in and give it ago. Of course I end up with a few failures but it’s also brought me many new, exciting experiences and the adventurous lifestyle I thrive on.
Circumstances also change and something that didn’t work for us last year might well work this year:) It really is a case of trying things to find out!
Doingness, Annabel, is a challenge. I was a ‘dreamer’ at one time, until I realized my dreams were not coming true unless I began climbing them up the rungs of the Doing Ladder. Thank you for your honesty in your comments. I appreciate you.
Hey Rob, it is a bit delusional, isn’t it to think that we can get done everything we want to do. I’m learning that small tweaks in thinking can really alter our attitude and how we approach seemingly daunting projects. The trick for me is to recognize when I need to make that tweak.
I have to say that since becoming a mother, I’m often needing course correct. It’s a hard job and there’s no starting over but being fully engaged is very rewarding.
Many folks, Belinda, have ulcers and headaches because they want to get it all done and they want to get it all done right. As you point out, it is delusion to think that way, and it is harmful to our psychic position as well as our health. Yes, being a mom is always a ‘course correct’ journey. Good luck with that!
success is all about failing enough times before you can learn how to do something right, if people knew this their lives will be better
thanks Rob
indeed Farouk, success is a PROCESS OF FAILING FORWARD. Thank you for reminding us of that.
hi Rob, Great post. You touch on some interesting points and your writings are always fun and enjoyable to read. Thank you for sharing today
Thanks, Billy …don’t be shy to jump in with your point of view (or a personal experience that adds to the blog). Again, thank you.
Awesome wisdom Rob. In addition to what you said about course correction I think as you decide to explore new territory you also can hit bigger ways and it enables us to understand how to handle them better.
It’s always great to learn so much more about fellow bloggers too. I had no idea about your restaurants or real estate.
Thank you, Amit …. indeed, when we learn how to successfully zig-zag …. we take on bigger ventures. That’s what I did when I decided to quit teaching and follow Napoleon Hill’s advice on how to make millions.
Rob -
I like it. Learning from mistakes and failure is beautiful and vital for growth. I’m starting to embrace my mistakes and enjoy them – they are almost better than some of the victories. I think life is a constant balancing act where we’re always moving to keep things in equilibrium.
Great stuff,
Phil
YES, Phil … the zig zag journey is where we find the juice of life. Shortly after ‘victory’ comes emptiness … and so we go in search of another zig zag journey! Thanks for the insight.
Dear Rob,
Interesting topic. What I notice is that often people who criticize aren’t actually taking action themselves. For example, many people in Hollywood become involved in humanitarian efforts and I hear lots of criticism. My thought is “What are you doing to better the world?” So, I ask myself that question too.
You make an excellent point. If we take action, we make more errors because we’re actually DOING something. And it’s exciting to find things we’re passionate about and do them.
As always, excellente!
Warm regards,
Lauren
Good question that you ask – “what are you doing to better the world?” If it ain’t practical it ain’t spiritual. Many folks believe they are doing spiritual work by walking around with their palms up, chanting an ohm. Spiritual work is work that is in service to the world in some way, indeed. Spiritual and practical are incredible companions. Thanks
Hi Rob.
“If action didn’t begin with error, there’d be nothing to learn” is a cool message to take. Usually when I make a large error after trying something new, I always remind myself that it comes with the territory. Expecting to do perfectly the first time around is basically ridiculous. Preparation comes in handy but there is only so much preparation to do before it becomes a waste of time, and a real big waste of time if it doesn’t end up getting followed up by the effort. I have done that, and I know others who have, and it is no good to learn and prepare for something in a hesitated mode for a long while and not end up even doing it.
As far as a course correct experience of my own, one that comes to mind was when I did a short paid writing for a person I know online, and it took so much effort the first time around because I was trying hard to follow certain requirements, and after it was more than enough, I was much more relaxed and smooth the next time around and finished quicker. So many things are hard the first time because we don’t have all the pieces yet.
I love your tip, Armen, that ‘preparation is handy, but too much preparation is a big waste of time’. YES, indeed, it is good to be prepared, but many folks make preparation a way of life, getting little done but preparing. Great add-on to the blog. Thank you.
Course correction is another way to call it, Rob. I am thinking it is the same as recovering from a failure or correcting a bad decision. So many times. I left friendships that were not serving me, even though I loved my friend dearly (sometimes even friendship love is not mutual!). I have left jobs and positions and teams because the respect and implicit trust no longer existed between me and my boss and I needed to find an environment that cultivated that. And lately, I have started cycling and found a passion for cardio and have traded those boring walks around my neighborhood for a real fun workout! Do any of these count?
))!
Everything you do to improve your life lifts humanity up a square centimeter, Farnoosh. Therefore, all of your endeavors for self-improvement count. I am interested in your ‘relationship challenges’ … there is something there for you to examine … it may be time for Farnoosh to HAVE A BREAKTHROUGH. Blessings
My Course Correction yesterday was to apologize to the UPS delivery man for telling him to leave the packages at the back door on the porch. He left them with the neighbor because I don’t have a back porch; I have a front porch! Wow, Course Correction can be the simplest things.
Hi Rob,
I love, “If action didn’t begin with error, there’d be nothing to learn.” That is a gem to retweet and share! Oh, I remember the days of not wanting to venture out for fear of making mistakes — how boring! Life is all about course correction and embracing it. Lately it seems almost a daily activity
I am doing, learning, going easy on myself, allowing, and growing. Thanks for the encouraging post.
Have a beautiful 4th of July weekend!
Kim
YES, Kim … course correction while ‘going easy on yourself’. Nice addition. Thanks for that. Happy 4th back to you!
Rob,
I love the philosophy of being a life-long learner and you touched on this is a very inspiring way. If I could maintain an attitude of enthusiasm of inspiration for all of the numerous things I’m engaged in, it would really alleviate stress and worry. I am usually able to do this, but many unforeseen situations still cause agitation. I guess we must accept that doing something new and taking action is a significant and growth provoking risk.
Indeed Joe, the secret to living a passionately inspiring life is to accept that ‘doing something new is a significant growth-provoking risk’ (nice way of saying it, Joe). Edison failed forward 10,000 tries before inventing the light builb. How’s that! blessings.
Hey Rob, excellent post … very inspiring.
Growth is learning. Anyone who wants to convey from the world of the mind in the physical world, must be willing to try and create action. Experiences that I had? There are lots of them… I will say just a few of them.
- When I look for job, I keep thinking how I should work, how unemployment in my country is huge, that it is difficult to find a job and so on. Moreover, I needed a whole day to create a “perfect CV.” I learned all the tactics of finding a job, etc. But I was not trying to find a job! I was just thinking about it. While reading an article on the methods of trial and error, I realized it! Then I just tried tried and tried. In the end I, of course, find a job.
- Another example is the creation of my first website. I started learning about internet marketing, about websites, about technical details, social sites, blogging, and many other things. But I have not even bought the domain!
Then I was again reminded of trial and error method. I realized that my thinking and analysis of sites does not mean anything. The action is essential. Then I bought a domain hosting and began to learn. Soon I experienced a failure. And another. And another. It took me almost a year for the first little success.
I talked too much here…
I’m going to do something NOW! 
In all, inspiring thoughts Rob… Keep up the good work… Marko
Thankyou, Marko … no, you did not talk too much here. Your two examples are perfect. They help all of us understand at a deeper level that the human condition is a delicate condition. We all fear failure, so we come up with clever ways of procrastinating. Why do we fear failure? We believe it is a reflection of our inadequacy (which is never the case).
Hey Rob,
How are you? My first time here… First of all, I want to acknowledge and say Thank You for given me so much support at my blog by your awesome comments. Your wonderful!
Well to answer your question is that I noticed something about myself I don’t need everything perfect to take action. I make corrections as I go. Whether it is vlog or going out to dinner with my spouse, going for long hikes with my son. I don’t Need to plan out the details of how i’ll get there. I just DO IT. I’m a true advocate of taking action. I think every action no matter how small does add up. Not to say I don’t plan.do.review Because I do that as well with my big decisions in life. But I have found that, ““There is NO growth in Safe Harbors of The Known. ALL growth occurs when we venture out into Deep Blue Oceans” And this includes your thinking pattern.
Thanks for having me here Rob. I look forward to learning more from you.
Love Light & Blessings,
Therese Miu
Indeed, Therese, ‘safe harbors of the known’ become an environment for a stagnant life. We are here to soar and explore. Human beings are unlimited beings, but we cannot experience our ‘unlimitedness’ is we do not get out there and climb our dreams and aspirations up the rungs of the Doing Ladder. Thank you for your input.