"うまくいっていないのにうまくいっていると思い込まないでください、でないと悪い解決策に固執してしまいます。"

It's all too easy to convince yourself that something's going right when it's not. We all do it. We get so caught up in our hopes and expectations that we ignore the glaring signs that maybe—just maybe—things aren't as peachy as we want them to be. This mindset can be a real trap. If you start believing that your approach is perfect when it's flawed, you're setting yourself up for a world of disappointment. You might end up stuck, obsessing over a "solution" that's more problem than anything else.

This idea probably has deep roots in human nature and history. Think about Thomas Edison, for instance. When he was inventing the light bulb, he failed thousands of times. But what set him apart was that he didn’t deceive himself into thinking a dud experiment was a success. He kept iterating, learning from each failed attempt until he finally got it right. If he'd fixated on one of his early designs, convincing himself it was the answer, he might never have achieved success.

Now, let's bring it closer to home. Imagine you're working on a project at work. You've come up with a plan that you believe is foolproof. Maybe it’s a new marketing strategy or a software update. In your mind, it’s brilliant. But as time goes on, the results aren't there. Sales aren’t improving, user feedback is lukewarm, and deadlines are slipping. Despite all this, you keep telling yourself, “It's just a rough patch. It'll get better. I know it’s the right way.” You double down on the same strategy, tweaking it here and there, but essentially staying the course. Months pass, and the project is still floundering.

Here’s the kicker: the sooner you accept that your plan isn’t working, the sooner you can pivot and find a better way. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. No matter how hard you push, it won’t fit. Realizing this early enough saves you time, effort, and maybe even your job.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? First off, stay objective. Regularly assess your progress with a clear lens. Set tangible benchmarks and be honest when you don’t meet them. It's crucial to welcome feedback, even if it stings. Sometimes, outsiders can see what you can't because you're too close to the problem. And always have a plan B—or even a plan C. Flexibility is your friend.

Think about a relatable story. Picture a young entrepreneur, Zoe, who starts a small business selling handmade jewelry. She’s passionate and pours her heart into making intricate, unique designs. But sales are sluggish. She’s convinced that her designs are just ahead of their time. Instead of reevaluating her product or marketing strategy, she keeps producing the same style of jewelry, hoping that persistence will pay off. Months later, she’s burned through her savings and her customer base hasn’t grown. Finally, she talks to a mentor who suggests she simplify her designs and target a different market. Reluctantly, Zoe tries it. And guess what? Sales start to pick up.

In essence, don’t get stuck in a rut because you're fixated on a flawed idea. Stay flexible, be willing to change course, and don’t let your ego get in the way. Sometimes the best thing you can do is admit you were wrong and try something different.