My mother recently sent me an article written by Paul Terhorst of International life.
The philosophy that he and his wife have adopted in life is basically that all things being equal, when you have to make a choice, you should choose the option that offers a new experience. Here is a direct quote:
“…When we are indifferent, we choose the path that involves trying something new, taking a step or shaking things up. We lean towards errors of commission rather than errors of omission.”
We make decisions big and small every day, ranging from life changes like where to live to more mundane things like what to wear in the morning. Lives are made of choices, and if we don’t make them, someone -or life- makes them for us. Nobody escapes the elections. Why would one want to? Each offers us the opportunity to enrich our lives, grow through new experiences, undertake projects, and even receive the comfort of something familiar, depending on what is right for us at the time.
Commission instead of omission
That concept: “… toward errors of commission rather than errors of omission,” stuck with me To err on the side of action, to adopt an action bias, is to invite the things that make a life memorable. Oh, it doesn’t always have to be world-shaking nature, it can be a weekend trip or a night out with friends. The important thing is to ACT. The synergy formed by cultivating a habit of “action bias” can bring riches beyond our imagination, and I don’t necessarily mean the tangible kind.
This article was timely as it came shortly before I had to make that decision. My mother, my sister and her 2 children were planning a trip to France. As the date approached 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. As I was weighing whether or not to go, this article came to 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 a result, this was indeed an immensely rewarding journey. France immediately triggered deep “home” roots. We visited many of the places we grew up in as children on the north coast of Brittany, while introducing my niece and nephew to them and opening them up to that part of her heritage.
We spent time with my 92-year-old grandmother, who met her great-grandchildren for the first time, and they her.
The memories of this trip with my family will be treasured for a long time. If I had made a different decision, I would have missed the opportunity to enrich myself, both personally and with my family.
In the end, take the adventure.
Options can be as clear and quick as a snap of the fingers, or they can be complicated and harrowing with “what if” issues and/or unknown factors. Weigh the pros and cons, weigh your options, rewards and consequences. Do what you have to do to help yourself.
Just remember, all things being equal, take the adventure. Try something new, take a risk. Say yes to fun, discoveries, growth and memories.