I’ve adopted this one from my brother-in-law, a master craftsman in the trades. When Steven was studying for his first trade ticket his TAFE teacher returned one of his practical assignments with a mark of 9 ½ out of 10. When Steven enquired as to where he’d lost half a mark the teacher replied, “Nowhere, it’s perfect. I’ve just never ever given anyone 10 out 10.”
Steven is one of those rare tradespeople who when screwing door hinges in place will ensure that all the screw heads are perfectly aligned. Why? Because why not.
With an attitude like this, it becomes obvious that mistakes, stupid or otherwise, are not part of Steven’s world. I’ve also seen Steven fall out of a pub with the help of a bouncer and keep his beer upright.
I, on the other hand, have made mistakes with everything from cars to careers, women to wives (not the current the one, of course).
In the days when I was more arrogant than anything else the idea of asking for help was too much to bear; it was a sign of weakness.
However the moment I stopped assuming I knew everything and started asking questions, and for help, my world opened up and my stress level went back to what I assume everyone else’s is. So much easier.