Friday, May 8, 2009

Past Imperfect

I admire people who never make mistakes. It must be because I make so many of them myself. I'd like to be able to say that, at least, I never make the same mistake twice. But I can't; because I do that, too.

I know what you're thinking: "How can you even live with yourself ... making the same mistake twice?" Well, let me assure you, it's not easy. Especially since I once met someone who never made mistakes. I worked for him, even. And, boy, that was hard! I mean, I set some pretty high expectations for myself; but even these pale by comparison to working for someone who was as close to perfect as anyone I've ever stood close to.

I know what you're thinking: "How can you be so gullible ... thinking someone actually never made any mistakes?" Well, let me ask you, would a person who never makes mistakes ever make the mistake of telling me he made mistakes if he really didn't?

I thought he made a mistake once. He told me several of our competitors were sure to go out of business – "absolutely," he said ... "six months at the most." And then they didn't. I asked him about it. He said not to worry, it was only a matter of time. "I thought so," I said. I knew he couldn't have been mistaken about a thing like that. Then, we went out of business. I asked him about it. He said not to worry, he was just "ahead of his time."

I know what you're thinking: "How could you stand it ... believing in someone who not only was mistaken like that, but actually refused to admit it?" Well, let me confess, everyone needs to believe in something.

I believe I won't make another mistake like that one.