Laugh at your own stupidity

Have you ever heard the saying, “Humans take seriously the things the gods made for fun”? It’s funny because it’s true. We often approach life with such seriousness, especially when we’re trying something new. The fear of making mistakes can be so overwhelming that we cringe at the very thought of getting something wrong. It’s like we’re all under a spell—the spell of perfectionism. But let’s be real: how can you expect to be perfect right from the start?

This is where the idea of “laughing at your own stupidity” comes into play. It’s a simple yet powerful way to let yourself be a beginner without piling on too much pressure. When you can laugh at your own mistakes, you’re freeing yourself from the unrealistic expectations that hold you back. You’re giving yourself permission to be human, to be you, and most importantly, to go with the flow.

Starting something new—whether it’s a hobby, a skill, or even a career—can be a bit like stepping into the unknown. And guess what? You’re going to make mistakes. Lots of them. But here’s the kicker: How adaptable are you? Can you roll with the punches, let those mistakes happen, and not sweat it? Your ability to do this plays a massive role in how much you’ll grow. And honestly, laughing at your own goof-ups is probably the easiest way to handle it.

The Perfectionism Trap: Why We’re So Hard on Ourselves

Perfectionism is like quicksand—it sucks you in and keeps you stuck. We often think that to be successful, we need to have everything figured out right away. We worry about what others will think and, even worse, we criticize ourselves harshly. But here’s the truth: perfection is a myth. Nobody starts as a pro. Even the people you look up to were once beginners, fumbling their way through just like you.

This obsession with getting everything perfect can be paralyzing. It stops you from even starting because you’re so focused on doing it all right. But perfectionism doesn’t just halt progress—it also kills creativity. It squashes innovation and keeps you from exploring new ideas. The moment you let go of trying to be perfect is the moment you start making real strides.

Embrace the Mess: Mistakes Are Your Best Friends

Let’s flip the script: mistakes aren’t something to be feared—they’re something to be embraced. Each time you mess up, you’re learning. You’re figuring out what works and what doesn’t. You’re getting better.

Imagine if Thomas Edison had thrown in the towel after his first failed attempt at inventing the lightbulb. Instead, he famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That’s the mindset that leads to greatness. By welcoming his mistakes and learning from them, Edison eventually succeeded.

Go with the Flow: Why Adaptability Is Everything

Being adaptable is like having a superpower. It means you’re flexible, open to change, and ready to pivot when things don’t go as planned. When you’re adaptable, you’re not rigid in your thinking or stuck in your ways. You’re willing to experiment, to try new approaches, and to see where the journey takes you.

Adaptability also means being cool with your mistakes. Instead of beating yourself up over them, you learn to sit with them and let them be. It’s not about ignoring your mistakes or pretending they didn’t happen—it’s about not letting them define you. You keep moving forward, mistakes and all.

Laugh It Off: The Magic of Not Taking Yourself Too Seriously

One of the best ways to stay adaptable and avoid the perfectionism trap is to learn how to laugh at yourself. When you can chuckle at your own missteps, you take away their power. They’re no longer big, scary failures—they’re just part of the process. Plus, it’s a lot easier to keep going when you’re not bogged down by self-criticism.

Laughing at yourself doesn’t mean you’re not serious about what you do. It just means you don’t take yourself too seriously. You understand that mistakes are part of the human experience, and they don’t diminish your value or your potential for success.

Let Go, Laugh, and Grow

At the end of the day, the key to growth is letting go—letting go of the need to be perfect, letting go of the fear of making mistakes, and letting go of the idea that you have to have everything figured out from the start. Instead, embrace the messiness of learning, laugh at your own blunders, and keep moving forward. That’s how you grow, how you improve, and how you eventually succeed.

So, if you’re just starting out, remember: You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to try, fail, adapt, and keep going. And don’t forget to laugh at your own mistakes—it’s the best way to stay sane and enjoy the ride.