We are going to worry and make mistakes
The Mistake We Know We Are Making
Why we can’t stop
You know you are making a mistake. All of your instincts tell you to stop. But you forge ahead and “do the deed,” knowing all along you are going against your better judgment. Why do we do that? I have certainly done so in my seventy years.
Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.
– Corrie ten Boom
I took my first teaching job with every instinct telling me it was a mistake. The job was in a sketchy location. The school had a terrible reputation. The classroom was a room under siege with bricked-up windows and graffiti on the walls, desk, and chalkboard. I forged ahead and took the job.
Why didn’t I heed the warning signs? Teaching jobs were scarce in my field, and there were many applicants in the market at the time. I was fearful that another opportunity would not be available.
Fear is a big part of the answer. We are fearful that we will disappoint others who know our plans and who will be upset that we did not follow through. We fear their opinion of us and how they will view us in light of our changed plans. We rightly fear the unknown.
