From Mistakes to “Missed Takes”

Make “missed takes.”  We can dial down our destructive judging and evaluation that occurs when we communicate on the spot by making a choice to practice accepting and even embracing mistakes. Stressing over every little mistake we make—or might make—is mentally taxing and interfering. I find it helpful to envision mistakes as “missed takes” in the making of a film. When a crew films a scene, they will often do several versions or “takes.” They might do a close-up instead of a distant shot, have the actors stand instead of sit, have them modulate their tone, and so on. They do this not because any one take is right or wrong, but because the director and crew want to broaden their options and make sure they didn’t miss any potentially great but unforeseen ways of rendering the scene. They seek out variety—takes that might be more creative, unique, or imaginative.

This week we have a special Think Fast Talk Smart The Podcast episode that comes from my “Think Faster, Talk Smarter” audiobook. Listen in as I explain how to make “missed takes” and other mindset hacks to help your communication.

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*This audio excerpt is courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright  2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.