Become the snail.

Last week, we discussed fostering a culture to make mistakes and failing at the right time.

Let go.

We cannot control failure...though, letting ideas come and go too quickly without structure leads to undisciplined thought and execution.

To avoid mistakes, I sometimes create too much structure and rules to restrict my behavior. While I can learn from my experience and those of my peers, I cannot plan to counter all situations that may arise. To do so is my Ego talking.

Ugh, I just want my Ego to take a back seat!

When I become lost in my limited thinking, I have to be reminded to keep an open mind. I am constantly changing. I have to learn to let go of old ideas, fuse new ideas and be humble enough to pick up ideas I rejected at one time. This adjustment in thought improves my flexibility, strategic counsel and detailed execution. I am more prepared because I did not prepare. (Oxymoron not meant to be taken literally. We cannot live in extremes.)

"We don't see the world as it is. We see the world as we are."

It is essential to allow ourselves to channel a flow of information. Open our minds, prioritize information and nourish the growth of our beings by turning the information into knowledge and fruitful experiences.

I tend to think of myself as a snail. (I also project this line of thinking to corporations/affiliations....)

No, I am not making an analogy to the speed of the snail (well, maybe for corporations/affiliations), but those of you who have seen me run would probably liken me to a snail!

Via Wikipedia: As the snail grows, so does its calcium carbonate shell. The shell grows additively, by the addition of new calcium carbonate, which is secreted by glands located in the snail's mantle. The new material is added to the edge of the shell aperture (the opening of the shell). Therefore the center of the shell's spiral was made when the snail was younger, and the outer part when the snail was older. When the snail reaches full adult size, it may build a thickened lip around the shell aperture. At this point the snail stops growing, and begins reproducing.

New ideas and an open mind grow my shell. The ideas I have and mistakes I have made built who I am, my home (shell), for good and bad. I cannot forget the wrongs I have made, but I will learn from them and grow with them. Additively.

Sometimes I seek safe harbor in the protection of my shell. Don't we all? I am human. (And sometimes we forget corporations/affiliations are a made up of humans...) But once again, I must emerge from shell and forage for new nourishment.

(Photo courtesy Davey_S.)

Comments

[Stuart Foster]

Screwing up occasionally is awesome. It grounds you, makes you think about what you could do better, and allows you to come back with a full head of steam (hopefully in the right direction) this time.

I've failed A LOT. But I hang in there because I think I'll eventually get there.

[outlet moncler]

That is a great exercise. Can't wait to hear how it works!