Err on the side of action, to test theories
I spend a lot time thinking of alternate ways to approach life.
I re-consider my hierarchy of values.
When values change, the plan of action needs to change, too.
For example, if I decide that personal growth is top priority, then I plan a life pushing outside my comfort zone. But if I decide that creative output is top priority, then I plan a tranquil life without obstacles, so I can just create.
But the only way to decide — to not be Buridan’s donkey — is to go give it a try.
There’s a huge difference between in-theory versus in-practice. If you’ve been deliberating on something for a while, get it out of your head, and into the world.
If it turns out to be a mistake, that’s fine. At least you’ll know it’s a mistake in fact, instead of just in theory.
"You learn who you are in practice, not in theory"
Love these daily blog posts, Derek. Inspiring me to post more as well!
Yes, we need to try and test. If I could be right only 51% of the time, I could get rich betting on the stock market. But most of what I believe is wrong. A humbling thought, I know.
I once attended a two-day course on one aspect of facilitating meetings. We began by pairing off. All but one person knew the exercise where you try to speak back to a person what he or she had just said... a humbling exercise because we get it wrong so much.
Yet we still have to carry on with our life and conversations, in my case by "forgetting" that I am usually wrong about what someone means.
I have to carry on by forgetting how wrong I am about society and relatives and myself, yet also be testing... The alternative is to explain things to myself in my own closed loop thinking. Not good.
It is better for me to happily pay for someone else's. drinks in the bar if that's what it takes to test my thinking.
I could write a country song, "Lord, it's happy to be humble..."
Someone I know recently said that she was afraid to try going for a new job, but then apparently her mother said, “Well, you already know what it feels like *not* to do that. So you might as well try.” Sage advice in a fleeting life.
Uncanny timing. I'm officially going through redundancy as of tomorrow, and this morning I cracked open my Kindle and loaded "Anything you want" (with a big smile). Fortunately I have plans in place and will transition my side-gig to my gig-gig.
Bring it!
Thank you
Robbie
Makes so much sense. Motivated to try living this way. Thanks for the inspiration.
Excellent advice, especially the values piece. I’ve recently found boldness at the top of my hierarchy, and it had a massive impact on my actions! Loving your daily posts, Derek!
We as humans / earthlings - allegedly the smartest animals on this planet...have perfected the mistake. Sadly we keep repeating the same ones on the grand scale. One the smaller scale of your own life it’s more ]important not to make the same mistake twice...imho...waste your time wisely!
If only there was:
A pill for procrastination.
A balm for deliberation.
And a vaccine to prioritize.
"It's you Attitude Not your Apptidude that determines your Altitude" -Zig Ziggler
We can have it all. Just not all at the same time. But in a sequence! Anytime.
That's what I thought !
After years asking female friends about their own experiences, I've decided to try and have a IUD. If I don't like it, I'll have it removed. "Simple as that" (e.g. doctor appointment, having a speculum into my vagina, etc.).
Thank you for your posts. They are simple yet they remind me of things I forgot to think about !
Thanks, Derek. This comes at just the right time in my life.
Great thoughts
This is great. It made my day because it is clear and motivating. I shared with my wife and you have another fan
Give It A Try - The Ocean Blue
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f43ejErHSU
So true to get it out into the world. I'm opting for a life of making as many mistakes as possible, all the while knowing I'll look back at my awkward beginnings and be grateful I started.
So today, 9-8-2025, you inspired me and shook me up and out of my duldrims.
Now, I commit to: go give it a try!
There’s a huge difference between in-theory versus in-practice. If you’ve been deliberating on something for a while, get it out of your head, and into the world.
If it turns out to be a mistake, that’s fine. At least you’ll know it’s a mistake in fact, instead of just in theory.