Admitting you’re lost is difficult

It’s a bit like leading the way with a bunch of people following you only to find out mid-way into your trip, you made a wrong turn, but you’re too afraid of admitting you’re wrong out of fear, embarrassment, or ridicule, so you keep going.

You try to cover it up.

But eventually, you’re going to have to stop. 

Face your fears.

And say, “Hey, I’ve got something to tell you.”

“I’ve made a mistake.”

“I’m going to wrong way.”

“We need to turn back.”

But in this case, the people following you isn’t anybody else.

It’s you. 

You’re following yourself.

You’re leading yourself. 

And every step you take towards one direction you are leading the future you into that direction as well. 

And if you keep knowingly going in the wrong direction.

You will also be inadvertently leading your future self further down the wrong path.

But regardless of the fear, regret, and shame that may come with admitting you’re wrong, admitting you’re lost is essential. 

You need to do it. 

Otherwise, you keep swinging in the dark. And getting nowhere.

Admitting you’re lost doesn’t feel good. It feels like you’ve wasted so much time and energy. But it’s better than continuing on the wrong path due to an unwillingness to let go, or to appear perfect, when you know damn well, that perfection doesn’t exist.

The past is gone and you have the power to create the future. 

Will you continue leading yourself down the wrong path?

Or will you sum up the courage to stop, admit your mistake, and give yourself another chance?

by Jason Lam