On Being Afraid to be Wrong
Sir Ken Robinson, who left us last year, did a wonderful Ted Talk entitled, “Do Schools Kill Creativity”. I watched it again this week and was reminded of the powerful message that he shared that is equally important for our kids as it is for adults.
The question to ask yourself is, “Are you afraid to be wrong?”
Have you ever stopped to also recognize how this fear is limiting you?
Our culture has become so hyper-focused on perfection and systems that we fail to realize that this vigilance, in schools, in the workplace and at home, prevents us from being truly creative.
Years ago, when my daughters were in grade school, I volunteered to teach in a fabulous art program that allowed me to share lessons in style from famous artists. I loved my time with the littles. The younger, the better, because I knew the importance of planting the idea that there are no mistakes in art. I wanted them all to recognize the power of their own choices and the freedom to explore beyond the lines.
There is no room for creativity in the world of “I have to get this right!”
When we equate our value or worth to how well we are able to perform a series of steps, we’re measuring the wrong variables. And yet we do this in schools and work cultures all the time.
It’s why you might believe you too aren’t able to think (or color) outside the box.
As Timothy Leary once said, “You’re only as good as the last time you changed your mind.” I would add, “...or changed directions, stood up against the current tide, carved your own way… “
Well, you get my point.
Nothing incredible was ever created without a LOT of mistakes.
A lot of “being wrong”.
No Academy Awards came without at least a few poor performances through which the actor polished their skills.
No Hall of Famers broke records without also striking out.
Being wrong isn’t so bad. It teaches us where we can refine and improve if we’re open to the process of personal evaluation.
The truth is the human process is ALL about learning the trial and error. The less we try, the more we fail, or at least the more we limit our potential.
That’s what I think coaching and personal development work is all about - finding the areas where we dig into what can be refined and honed so that your super-powered self emerges. Staying in the comfort zone of no mistake-making denies our access to these potential gifts.
Today I’m challenging you to go and be wrong. Do something new and allow yourself just to take in all the emotions and outcomes of not always being right. My promise to you: It won’t hurt a tenth of what you likely imagine. And you might learn something valuable about yourself.
Here’s to being wrong so that you can get it all right (or at least a lot better)!
Oh and, your most awesome, future version of you will thank you profusely!
With great love and respect!