There will come times in your life when what you are doing is not working, and you need a different approach. Sometimes a minor tweak or slight change will give you better results. But, it may also mean that you may have to start over. You need a redo. A completely different solution is needed for success. Making this choice can be more difficult than you think, especially if you have put a lot of effort into something, but are not getting the results that you seek. Choosing to start over is difficult.
You learn to start over by doing it
I have faced this type of decision more than once in my life, and it has been difficult each time to admit that my solution failed and a new one was necessary. I am getting better at admitting failure and moving on, but it can still be a big struggle for me. Stubbornness comes naturally to me, and I tend to delay admitting failure. It is not an easy thing for me to do.
Don’t fall into this trap
I have many times. Rather, try a different approach. Start over on a new path. Move out and draw fire. The good news is that God is with us, and willing to let us start over when we need to. The following poem may help explain this perspective. I heard it on a podcast by Ravi Zacharias.
He came to my desk with a quivering lip,
the lesson was done.
“Have you a new sheet for me, dear teacher?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
I took his sheet, all soiled and blotted,
and gave him a new one all unspotted.
And into his tired heart, I cried,
“Do better now, my child.”
I came to God’s throne with a trembling heart;
the day was done.
“Have you a new day for me, dear Master?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
He took my day, all soiled and blotted,
and gave me a new one all unspotted.
And into my tired heart, he cried,
“Do better now, my child.”
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.