The scientific Method
Picture it: A group of scientists in a lab, intensely focused on finding a solution or cure. They think they’ve got it. They test the theory, watch it unfold, and then – nothing. It doesn’t work.
“Well, that’s it. We tried. Obviously, we’re idiots – we don’t know what we’re doing. Everybody, pack up your stuff. We’re done here.”
Said no scientist ever.
Because scientists understand something crucial: failure is part of the process. Not getting it right the first time (or second, or third, or 116th ) doesn’t mean defeat. They don’t take it as a sign of incompetence or an opportunity to beat themselves up– it’s simply a cue to go back to the drawing board.
This mindset is called trial-and-error learning, introduced by a guy named Edward Lee Thorndike. Thanks to his (apparently) famous cat in a puzzle box experiment, Thorndike taught us that learning from mistakes is the key to reaching the desired result.
But let’s be real – applying this theory in everyday life can be much harder than in a lab. Because our ability to stay objective is impacted by other variables - the emotions, feelings, and triggers that can overtake the process. So, when we try something and it seemingly fails, we can get caught up in the blame, shame, defeat spiral that can bring, and shut, us down.
I’ve noticed that this happens most often for me in situations where I feel particularly vulnerable. When I’m moving into the unknown, outside my comfort zone, taking on new challenges. Like starting a brand-new business in my late 50s perhaps?
But I’m starting to recognize that the negative mind chatter that comes up when I’ve failed is an attempt at protection. My mind trying to shield me from hurt, fear, or judgement. I’ve taken to calling this crew of critics the bogus scientists (let’s shorten that to BS, shall we?), who wouldn’t know trial and error if it hit them in the pocket protector!
When BS shows up for me, I’m learning to not let them take control. First, I recognize they are there (“Oh, hey BS. Fancy meeting you here”), acknowledge their support (“Thanks for wanting to help.”), and then take them out of the equation (“There is no actual evidence that what you are saying is true. You know what, I’m going to take it from here”). Then I put on my scientist googles and learn what I need from the experience to get the results I want.
Today, I invite you to think about your own BS – those thoughts or voices that try to stop you when things don’t go as planned. Now, I know that some days this can be as hard as herding cats through a puzzle box, but with awareness, persistence, and sometimes, some extra help, you can learn to quiet them. So that the next time you face a setback you can keep experimenting, keep learning, keep moving forward.
#wellness #self-discovery #persistencewins
