It's Okay to Mess it Up

If I told you to go out and try something new and mess it up, could you? When I first heard that suggestion, I cringed. I grew up as a perfectionist, and messing something up did not fit into my view of the world.

When we want to make changes in our lives, we need to try new things. Trying new things means that we might mess it up as we figure it out.

Going into business for myself, I have been slowly learning how to do something and mess it up. I will be honest with you: some days it's hard to stomach. I'm growing a stronger stomach.

If you want to try doing new things or try new ways of being, you might make some mistakes. It's okay. Here's how to go about trying new things, being willing to mess it up, and holding on to your stomach.

1. Identify your target.
2. Map out your plan.
3. Go for it.
4. Pat yourself on the back.
5. Learn from where you went wrong, and make a new plan.
6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 until you decide to quit the endeavor or have mastered your target.

This plan is easily replicated for simple things such as eating a little healthier during the day, taking five minutes to meditate in the morning, or taking a moment of gratitude before you begin your day.

Every time you map out your plan and go for it, you give yourself an opportunity to learn how to improve your approach. Each cycle makes you stronger, smarter, and more capable. This means that every time you go through the cycle, you are closer and closer to getting what you really want. Besides, we would all take success for granted if everything always worked the first time through. Putting in a little effort makes us feel like we've earned it.

This approach can also be used for complicated things like learning to market a new business, training for and running a half-marathon, or learning to create your own website. Whatever new endeavor you're shooting for, it's okay to mess it up. In fact, it's bound to happen. Embrace it and pat yourself on the back anyway.