(Principles are basic truths that, when applied, cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)


Trial-and-error is a tried-and-true approach to life.

The issue with it is people seem to focus on the error part. When something they try doesn’t work out they get all self-judgmental. “That was dumb.” “I shouldn’t have done that.” “I hope nobody saw that.” You know what I’m talking about. Error morphs into guilt, shame, judging and other less-than-useful mental and emotional states.

On the other hand, people leading highly successful lives (yes, I learn from and write about them a lot!) focus on the ‘trial’ part of the model. Try, get feedback, learn, try a little differently. Keep trying until a path emerges, a desirable outcome.

By the way, the fear of making a mistake (an error) is a conversation of the egoic mind. Fear and it’s siblings are major tools of the ego. The egoic mind may be the most convenient of labs, but it is not the most trustworthy.

People who have learned to continue to try are more open to hearing that quiet, loving voice of inspiration, amazed to discover the guidance it brings. They have fewer error outcomes. Not straining so much toward an outcome, relaxing into it.


Coaching Point: What do you do to quiet the focus on ‘error’ and choose more ‘trial’?


Copyright 2023 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.