I have made a ton of mistakes by being hard-headed, stubborn and cocky. These mistakes made me who I am – and I wouldn’t change my past for anything! If I’ve learned anything from my mistakes, though, I hope it’s to be more observant. I think Farnam Street nailed it this week in their weekly blog:
“Your mistakes aren’t the best teacher – just the most expensive. You can start at the bottom of the mountain and make every mistake from scratch on the way to the top, or you can take a sherpa with you and master the best of what other people have already figured out. The successful learn vicariously; the foolish insist on firsthand pain.”
I guess I was a glutton for pain! Many farmers and ranchers I know share a similar fate. Maybe you can relate.
As I get older, my willingness to accept pain has decreased. I spend more time looking for the “sherpa” (mountain guide), and less time making mistakes. I’m eager to learn about other people’s experiences and how they implemented new ideas.
This has also caused me to be more cautious in a few ways. One example is new genetics. I used to search out new genetics to find the “next best thing.” I always wanted more of something – but I was constantly disappointed when that didn’t work out the way I thought it should. I keep coming back to the consistency of PCC™ genetics!
Quote Worth Re-Quoting
“Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Just learn from those who have already done it well.” ~ George Foreman