Remember doing science experiments in school? Remember how the teacher cheered you on regardless of the outcome? You know, the pep talk about how what failed this time is simply data to help you design the next experiment.
What if life was one experiment after another? Wouldn’t it be great to allow yourself to accept that the screw ups we all make are valuable data for next time. But, isn’t that actually accurate? Life is an experiment. We surely learn as much from things going wrong as we do from their going well. “There is no failure, only feedback.” (author unknown)
Since life is an experiment, as a good scientist you’ve got to evaluate the screw ups. No head in the sand behavior if you’re the scientist. Look at the data and make changes. Modify what you do next time, using what you learned this time.
Cell Phone Smiley
Go on. Call your friend.
And here’s the coolest thing of all: Give yourself permission to be more experimental. Be a little daring. Experiment with being vulnerable. Be the one to take the first step. Be the one to say, “I’m sorry.” or “I love you.” first. I bet you’ll be amazed at how OK it really is. Use one experiment’s it was OK data to help you design other experiments.
Might this idea help you to call that friend you’ve been meaning to call? Could experimenting help you to reach out a hand in affection, a gentle touch, in the middle of an argument? How about experiment by not criticizing a behavior that’s driving you nuts. The data might come back that your criticizing hasn’t been helping the behavior diminish.
Hand Smiley
A gentle touch can convey so much.
I love this idea. I was never good at science when I was in school. But these kinds of experiments hold my interest because they have the pay off of a better life. I’m going to be a diligent scientist.
Smile. Be happy, and experimental.
Ruth
All life is an experiment.
The more experiments you make, the better.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson