Slow and Deliberate Thinking Helps Reduce the Mistakes You Make 

 Let’s talk about mistakes today. There are two different kinds of mistakes. The ones you make because you don’t know any better or lack experience...and then there are the ones you make because you weren’t paying attention or got distracted.  

The first type of mistakes are important. They are the fastest way to learn. Don’t know how to do something? Read up on it, watch a YouTube video, or have someone explain it to you. Then go and try it. Chances are you will mess up. You’ll make mistakes and that’s ok. You’re learning from each and every one of those. These aren’t the types of mistakes we’re trying to avoid. Make them often and get better fast. 

The mistakes I’m talking about are the second kind. They are the kinds of mistakes that have you stop in your tracks and smack your forehead because you knew better. They are the easily avoidable mistakes and the best way to avoid making them is to slow down and think before you take action.  

Have you ever asked yourself, “What was I thinking?”

Don’t rush. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying of measure twice, cut once. This is what I’m talking about. Before you make a major decision or start a new project, take the time to slow down and think. Come up with a plan. Ask yourself if this is the best way to handle the situation. Then move forward. 

It helps to have an accountability partner, someone you can bounce ideas off of and talk out what you’re thinking. As a coach, I do this for my clients by asking questions and helping them clarify the outcomes they desire.

It’s important to remember that not making a plan, not taking the next step, is also making a decision...it could be the wrong one and a mistake that is difficult to come back from, so try to talk out your thoughts and set a date to take action.

Will you still make mistakes? Sure, but they will be fewer and less severe. As a result, you will actually make progress faster by slowing down. You can’t avoid all mistakes and that’s okay. At some point, you’ll encounter something called the law of diminishing returns. In the beginning, even slowing down a little will help you avoid a lot of mistakes. Down the road, you get to a point where spending another five days researching and contemplating may help you avoid one more, but it won’t be worth the extra time and effort. Be aware of this as you start to implement this slow thinking strategy.  

For now, give it a try. Make it a habit to stop and think before you act. It’s not an easy habit to get into. Do your best and continue to get better at it. You’ll find you’ll make progress much faster and your productivity will be through the roof because you’re no longer wasting time backtracking to correct all those unnecessary mistakes. 

If you’re interested in learning more about this process, reach out to me and we’ll set up a discovery call to see if my programs align with your desired outcomes.

Until next time...

Lisa 

P.S. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many women continue to struggle with the overwhelm, uncertainty, and anxiety of what their future holds. I know they’re hurting, and I know I have the tools to guide them to living in a new way...with this, I’ve decided to open my online coaching membership for a limited time. Here’s a link to this special offer that begins May 15th: https://www.lisamcgrath.me/store/H4Usycau

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with personal growth, please click the link...join me for the first masterclass on goal setting and self-awareness. Don’t delay, we begin on Friday, May 15th.