Adopt A Bias For Action
Adopt A Bias For Action
My mother recently sent me an article written by Paul Terhorst of International Living.
The philosophy that he and his wife have adopted in life is basically that all things being equal, when there is a choice to be made, the option offering a new experience should be picked. Here is a direct quote:
“… When we’re indifferent, we choose the path that involves trying something new, taking a step, or shaking things up. We bias toward errors of commission rather than errors of omission.”
We make choices everyday, big and small, ranging from life altering such as where to live, down to the more mundane as what to wear in the morning. Lives are made of choices, and if we do not make them then either someone -or life- makes them for us. No one escapes choices. Why would one want to? Each offers us a chance to enrich our lives, grow through new experiences, take on projects, and even receive the comfort of something familiar, depending on what is right for us at the time.
Commission rather than omission
That concept, “… toward errors of commission rather than errors of omission,” stuck with me. To err on the side of action, to adopt a bias for action, is to invite the things that make a life memorable. Oh it does not have to always be world shaking in nature, it can be a weekend trip or helping out a friend. The important thing is to ACT. The synergy formed through cultivating a habit of a “bias for action” can bring riches beyond our imagination -and I do not necessarily mean the tangible kind.
This article was timely as it came shortly before having to make such a choice. I am referring off course to my recent trip to France. I was not originally intent on going -my mother, sister and her 2 children were. As the date came closer and we were all visiting, I felt a strong desire to be a part of the experience as well.
Financially this was a commitment, and time wise it meant having to make various arrangements for my replacement at work. While weighing whether to go or not, this article came popping in my mind. Clearly the experience would be a thousand times more rewarding than doing the “reasonable and prudent” thing of staying home.
Deep roots of “Home”
As it turns out, this was indeed an immensely rewarding trip. France immediately triggered deep roots of “home.” We visited lots of the places we grew up in as kids on the northern coast of Brittany, all the while introducing them to my niece and nephew and opening them to that part of their heritage.
We spent time with my grandmother of 92 years, who got to meet her great grand kids for the first time, and them her.
We rented a small car for longer distances then walked from morning to evening through small village streets, along old city wall, on beaches, taking in sights and smells, remembering places, discovering new ones, and taking lots of pictures -thank goodness for digital cameras.
Aaaah the childhood smells of fresh bread. Let me tell you, there’s a bakery at every turn and fresh bread has to be one of the most heart warming smells I know.
Memories of this trip will be treasured for a very long time. Had I made a different choice, I would have missed out on the opportunity for enrichment, both personally and with my family.
All things considered, give yourself the adventure.
Choices can be as clear and quick as the snap of the fingers, or they can be tricky and agonizing with “what if” aspects and/or unknown factors. Weigh the pros and cons, evaluate your options, rewards, and consequences. Do what you need to do to help yourself through the process.
Just remember, all things considered and all things being equal, gift yourself the adventure. Try something new, take a chance. Say yes to fun, discoveries, growth and memories.
Say yes to life.
Yours in Peace and Health,
Christine
