Friday, February 20, 2015

Before It's Too Late


































Ninety percent of life is showing up. ~Woody Allen
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. ~Goethe
Experience is the name we give our mistakes. ~Oscar Wilde


Today I'm 53. I think that permits me the indulgence to offer a piece of unsolicited advice.

That's a long time to have lived, don't you think? Fifty-three years? I've seen over half a century. I've lived in historic times. I should by now know most of what I'm ever going to know about life. I've still got my health. I love my work. This should be my time, baby!

Here's one thing I know: Goethe was right, there is magic in boldness. If 90 percent of life is just showing up, then I'd say another 9 percent is boldness.

Of course boldness must be formed from something; otherwise it's just brashness or, worse, its even more embarrassing cousin, braggadocio. I've found you do need at least a little genuine, deep-down confidence to pull off boldness, and that can only come from experience or out-of-this-world innate talent. Since I never discovered my world class talent, I'm left to rely on experience. 

I'd then estimate that 90 percent of boldness comes from that confidence.

And 90 percent of that confidence comes from experience.

And experience is the name we give our mistakes.

So, you know, show up and make some mistakes before it's too late.


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12 comments:

Anne said...

This is so right on. Thanks for putting your thoughts out there, Tom.

Anne said...

Oh, and happy birthday!

Annie Hosking said...

Happy birthday!

Julinda said...

Same age as me!! (Well, I'm a couple of months older.) It's a good age. Happy birthday!

Madame Lewis said...

So grateful for you, Teacher Tom. Happy Birthday to you!

Kelly K said...

Happy Birthday! I was so excited to discover we share the same birthday... as I have you on a list of people I highly admire. I look forward to learning from my mistakes over the next ten years and if I am even half as wise and bold as you are when I am 53 I will consider myself fortunate. Enjoy your day!

Gypsy said...

Happy Birthday Teacher Tom and thank-you!

Lauren said...

Happy Birthday!

Thank you for your wonderful website. I have taught preschool for twenty years now and whenever I talk to someone about one of your articles I preface it with, "Do you know Teacher Tom? He's so inspiring it makes me feel bad about myself..." It is said in humor and with love. You DO have a world-class talent: this. Thank you and enjoy a birthday weekend!

Definition Essay said...

Happy birthday Tom !! :)

You are looking so smart and gentleman !! (y)

Chips and Salsa with Beans said...

Happy Birthday! Here's to many more trips around the sun! 🍻

Unknown said...

Belated B'day wishes dude :) You look great with the costume!

writer

Unknown said...

You are totally right! Confidence comes from experience and experience is gained through mistakes. Some time ago I was afraid of making mistakes because of being confused.

student