As humans, we are often conditioned to strive for perfection, to be right and to avoid mistakes at all costs. Not to be condescending to what seems to be a common interpretation, let me enquire – what if being wrong is not only inevitable but also is a vital part of our growth, development and learning?
In fact, the learned suggest that “to err is human”. If erring is a human characteristic do we consider the value it brings to the continued dominance of homo sapiens over other species. What is obvious is that it is not unthinkable that humans could err as a vital ingredient of their road to success.
Amidst the many rights that we always exclaim about I think we have ignored one right that always receives mixed reactions as its relevance always seems to be contextual. Rarely do we say we possess a right to be wrong. One could further argue that if we were to respect this right we would understand that embracing our mistakes can be a liberating experience.
ERRING EXCLUDES CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
As a slight detour, I think it’s important to dissociate the erring that we are talking about from breaking the law. As part of expanding on what it means to be wrong I think I need to explain that I am not advocating for crime or criminal activity. When you think about mistakes and wrongdoing, it is essential to distinguish between two distinct concepts – erring and criminal activity. While both can have consequences, they differ significantly in terms of intent, impact and accountability.
Errors can result from various factors, such as lack of information, misjudgment or unforeseen circumstances. When we err, we can learn from our mistakes and take steps to prevent similar errors in the future. Criminal activity, on the other hand, involves intentional acts that violate laws and regulations. These actions can cause harm to individuals, communities or society as a whole. Unlike errors, criminal activity is subject to legal consequences and penalties. The intent behind criminal behaviour is a key factor in determining guilt and punishment.
Recognising the difference between error and crime has significant implications. It ensures that individuals are held accountable for their actions in a fair and proportionate manner. By acknowledging the nuances between error and crime, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
THE FEAR OF BEING WRONG
From a very young age, we are taught that being right is a virtue, while being wrong is a flaw. The contradiction to this is that the many flaws that we make enable us to become better persons with fewer chances of repeating such mistakes. Your examination question paper is based on determining the extent to which you can make fewer mistakes. The road towards making less mistakes is characterised by many possibilities of making such mistakes. Therefore the outcome of making such mistakes could be important elements of futuristically making less of those same or similar or associated mistakes.
The deep-seated fear of making mistakes causes us to become overly cautious and hesitant in our decision-making. We may feel like we are under a microscope, with others judging our every move and this pressure can be overwhelming.
THE BENEFITS OF BEING WRONG
Being wrong can have its benefits. Making mistakes is an integral part of the learning process. When you are willing to take risks, make mistakes and thereby get wrong you open yourself up to new experiences, learning opportunities and personal growth. Kindly note that our emphasis is not on planning to get wrong or make mistakes but it is on accommodating those episodes as a necessity in coming up with a strong and potentially groundbreaking product. You develop resilience, adaptability and creativity, all of which are essential skills in today’s fast-paced world.
As sports enthusiasts, we know what it takes to achieve excellence. It is those grueling practice sessions, the endless drills and the countless mistakes during these sessions that actually unlock the key to a players’ true potential. Even the greatest Chess players achieve their excellence after having undergone a countless number of practice sessions wherein they err. Tennis players score their many aces after making many errors during practice.
Just to stretch our thoughts further – one could argue that making a mistake in soccer is an art or mildly put, an ingredient towards art. It is at practice sessions where players learn and improve with each repetition. The learned say “practice makes perfect”. If mistakes are mainly committed at practice, fixed, then one could also say, commiting errors makes perfect.
Making errors in soccer forces the players to analyse what went wrong. Language also speaks of trial and error and that speaks to the latter as a step towards perfection. We always talk about “taking the soccer game to the next level” and making mistakes is an integral part of that process. Pele (true name: Edson Arantes dos Nascimento), Lionel Messi, Killian Mbappe, Doctor Khumalo, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and many soccer legends embraced the power of erring and used it to perfect their art. Goalkeeping is one art whose meaning is grossly misunderstood, underappreciated, underrepresented and undervalued. They err repetitively at practice but used these as chapters in their development. The fewer they commit errors, the better they are viewed. Their status is achieved depending on the number of errors they commit. Goalkeepers like Itumeleng Khune or Patson Banda or Olivier Kahn have all achieved greatness but have not been shy to accept having made mistakes either at matches or at practice but prioritised these periods as times when they learnt and worked on improving their outputs. The modern game of soccer has seen it fit to appoint goalkeeper coaches whose job is to use these mistakes at practice to create fine products for matchday.
EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN
So, how can you cultivate a mindset that allows you to accommodate being wrong without fear of judgment or repercussions?
You need to practice self compassion wherein you treat yourself with kindness and understanding when you make mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself for the mistakes that you have made but ask yourself what have I learnt? The keyword here is learning and that is where compassion comes in. Remember that everyone errs, it’s just a question of whose turn it is today and it is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of striving for flawlessness, focus on making progress and learning from your experiences. Again underline the word progress – allow your mistakes to teach you how to become a better product. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. They are not called calculated risks for nothing. These risks can help you build confidence and develop a growth mindset.
DISCOVERIES
Some of the most significant chapters and groundbreaking discoveries in human development are a direct result of making mistakes. Innovation often arises from unexpected places. It is not always a deliberate effort. Though 1+1=2 it is not always obvious whilst you are still working on the elements. Sometimes you may discover it as an outcome of sheer accident. In the world of science and technology, mistakes have proven to be a surprisingly fertile ground for discovery.
The discovery of penicillin was accidental. Alexander Fleming’s careless mistake in leaving a petri-dish of bacteria uncovered led to the discovery of penicillin. When mold grew on the dish, killing the surrounding bacteria, Fleming realised the significance of his error. His mistake gave birth to penicillin which would later breathe new life into the field of medicine. Antibiotics were born and therefore went on to revolutionise the treatment of bacterial infections as well as saved countless lives.
Another significant discovery that was based on mistakes made was the discovery of the microwave. Percy Spencer, an engineer at Raytheon, noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket melted while he was standing next to a magnetron. Interested, he tested popcorn and egg and discovered that the microwave energy could be used for cooking. This led to the development of the first microwave oven, which has since become a staple presence in kitchens around the world.
Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s experiment with cathode rays led to the accidental discovery of X-rays. When he noticed a fluorescent glow on a screen in his laboratory, despite it not being exposed to any light, he realised that he had stumbled upon something remarkable. X-rays have since become a crucial tool in medical imaging.
Without negating the criminal societal consequences (based on racism) of this discovery one is tempted to consider it as one of the most incredible discoveries borne out of a mistake in South Africa. This mistake reshaped the nation’s economy and left an indelible mark on its future. In 1867 a 15-year old boy Erasmus Jacobs stumbled upon a glittering stone while playing near a farm next to the Orange River. Unbeknown to him, this ordinary-looking rock would turn out to be the 21.25-carat Eureka Diamond. The stone that was initially thought to be a mere pebble was determined by experts to be a confirmation of the diamond’s existence. The mining industry rapidly expanded, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges. The country’s landscape was forever altered, as diamond mines sprouted up and the economy boomed.
These examples demonstrate that mistakes can be a powerful catalyst for innovation. By embracing errors and being open to unexpected outcomes human beings, scientists and inventors can stumble upon groundbreaking discoveries that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
MAKING MISTAKES PUSHES BOUNDARIES OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
As we continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge and ingenuity, it is essential to recognise the value of mistakes and errors as well as the role they can play in shaping our future. The next time you make a mistake, remember that it might just lead to something extraordinary. I am not encouraging you to make mistakes but don’t be too harsh on yourself for making one. If you plan to do a mistake, it is no longer a mistake. Rather plan to work on it if and when you make it.
As the examples show, errors can be the starting point for remarkable discoveries and innovations that can change the world. Embracing your right to be wrong can be a powerful way to live a more authentic, creative and fulfilling life. By acknowledging that mistakes are an inevitable part of growth and learning, we can break free from the fear of being wrong and unlock our full potential. When you make a mistake, remember that it’s okay to be wrong – it could be a stepping stone to your success and possibly the whole of humanity.