Errors

Errors. 

Brian Eno creator of the Eno Oblique Strategy Cards writes, “Honor thy errors as hidden attentions.”

We spend a lot of time trying not to get things wrong. Early on in our school career we learn an “A” is preferable to an “F.” We work hard to achieve that high grade, or we may stop trying when we find it impossible. 

We are conditioned to feel bad when we make mistakes. We feel embarrassment or shame if we do something wrong. Some learn to pace their life in the lane that brings least error. Others color outside the lines, and thumb their noses at the establishment. 

I think perhaps most people fall somewhere in between. Except, I don’t think many people feel comfortable with error, all the same. We like getting things right. We bask in the glow of approval. 

However, sometimes the only way we can make it to right is through getting it wrong. After failing time and time again in attempting to invent the light bulb, Thomas Edison said proudly, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Interestingly enough things like the Post-It Note, Silly Putty, Teflon, and the fun toy of our youth, the Slinky were all created by mistake. 

Instead, of being quick to beat ourselves up over our errors, just as Eno has also said being alert to those errors might result in seeing something in a new way. In fact, choosing to treat ourselves in an overall kinder fashion may be the real lesson here. 

Be open to what our mistakes might tell us. Who knows the next new thing might just be waiting to be discovered.