As we begin to look ahead to 2023, it might seem a little odd that my first blog is about making mistakes.  However, I was reminded of some new year’s wisdom from Neil Gaiman who said,  “I hope that in the year to come, you make mistakes.”

I started to reflect on all that has happened during an eventful past year – some great things, some not so good things, but all challenging in their own way – and it  got me thinking about decision-making.

The thing is, every day we make decisions.

Some are small, insignificant and almost innocuous. Others are more important, affecting the lives (and loves) of those around us.  Inevitably, we make mistakes along the way. The daunting reality is that enormously important decisions made by seemingly intelligent, responsible people with the best intentions, are sometimes hopelessly flawed.

So, think back on your own year.  How many times have you chastised yourself for making a mistake?  I know I have – several times!  We live in a society that sees mistakes as weaknesses, as something to be avoided.  So perhaps it really is appropriate that in my first blog of 2023 I’m going to take Mr Gaiman’s advice.

I’m going to make mistakes.  Lots of them.  I’m going to make new mistakes; glorious, amazing mistakes. Mistakes nobody’s ever made before.

Why? Because if you are making mistakes, then you are learning, discovering new things, trying new things. You’re living, pushing yourself, changing yourself and changing your world around you.  You’re doing things you’ve never done before and most importantly; you’re  doing  something.

So, as we slide into the new year, that is my wish for you too.

Don’t worry that what you’re doing isn’t good enough, or that it isn’t perfect, whatever it is, whatever you’re scared of doing, do it in 2023!

Happy New Year!

Opinion Piece: Jane Rennie We are Extraordinary

LinkedIn: www.weareextraordinary.co.uk

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