Your Success Depends on Trial and Error
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 22
Life is all about trial and error.
We try. We succeed or make mistakes. We learn. We learn what we can and can't do. Success depends on practice with trial and error. Why practice? You need to practice so you won’t fear it (especially the mistakes).
Children aren't afraid of trial and error.
While babysitting for the weekend, my 5-year-old granddaughter convinced me to make pancakes… in her kitchen, not mine, no recipe.
"Don't worry. I know all the ingredients," she assured me. And where to find them. She got the ingredients (including sprinkles), the mixing bowl, and utensils. I just needed to identify the measuring spoons and the word 'cinnamon'’. On my phone, I pulled up a random pancake recipe. It did not include vanilla, cinnamon, or sprinkles.
We measured and mixed. When it came time to add cinnamon and vanilla, we guessed. The cinnamon went in when my back was turned. I was alarmed at the amount she added. I didn’t say anything, knowing I could always make more.
"These are really good pancakes." Grampa wasn't just being polite. He assumed I had been in charge.
My granddaughter didn't hesitate to add the amount of cinnamon she thought looked right. She had no fear the pancakes wouldn’t taste good.
Trial and error teaches my granddaughter what works for her. As she grows, she will learn what meets her needs in all aspects of her life.
In the meantime, her delicious pancakes will include a hefty dose of cinnamon.
7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good
The photo above is another example of trial and error. I was trying to take a picture of a large spider web glistening with dew in the morning sun. I was disappointed at first. Then I realized I captured the sunrise through the trees.
Trying new adventures helps us find the beauty in our surroundings. This article reminds us to look down, deep down, and this article reminds us to look down high up and all around.
Don’t let the outside of an avocado trick you. Do you choose flawless ones? Someone tried enough to learn how to choose a good one. 🥑
A quote: “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” - Vincent Van Gogh
I’m grateful for dark-colored clothing. A trip this past weekend that required light packing and wearing clothing twice taught me dark clothing hides small eating or drinking spills. 💦🧼 That was a trial for the next trip I take.
At the Birmingham Museum of Art, My girlfriends and I watched a film about how people in some African countries make large vessels out of clay. This vessel-making art has been handed down from generation to generation. Watching the process made me think of the trial and error necessary to discover the materials and process. 🏺
Ash Wednesday was yesterday. Did you get your fill of King Cake during the Mardi Gras season? Even if you did, this article might make you want to try a different variety.
Thanks for reading!
I would love to hear what you have been trying lately. Leave a comment. I’ll let you know if I’ve had the same experience.
❤
Susan
Thanks!