As an engineer I would like to apologise!
Why am I apologising?
Because if you’ve ever spent any time around an engineer, you’ll have noticed we tend to take things to bits and then have no clue how to put them back together.
We also mess around with things. Putting things together in strange ways.
It all starts with an observation and a question: There must be a better way to do this! And I wonder what will happen if I try this?
The latter is often followed by a cry of “blimey I never thought that would happen!” whilst the engineer rushes to turn something off. As an ex-fluids-lecturer, I did indeed flood the lab on several occasions.
Although I may have gotten wet. I learnt something.
Not only did I learn something about fluids, I learnt something about approaching life and results. Specifically, I learnt never to be a perfectionist.
In a world driven by predictability and perfectionism, there is immense value in embracing an experimental mindset.
As an ex-engineer, I have come to appreciate the beauty of trying new things and exploring uncharted territories. It is through these courageous acts of experimentation that we can truly learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
Here are some insights that an experimental mindset offers, shedding light on the transformative power of embracing chaos and letting go of attachment to outcomes.
Unleashing Curiosity:
At the core of an experimental mindset lies an insatiable curiosity. It is the ability to ask the question, “I wonder what will happen if I do this?” that propels us forward in our quest for knowledge and understanding. By allowing ourselves to remain detached from the expected outcome, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities. The sheer excitement and wonder that accompanies these moments of experimentation are enough to ignite our passion for continuous learning.
The Freedom of Imperfection:
With an experimental mindset, there is no room for perfectionism. Rather than striving for an idealized version of success, we embrace the notion that failure is an integral part of the learning process. By accepting that we may not have a clear image of what perfection looks like, we free ourselves from the constraints of self-imposed limitations. This newfound freedom allows us to explore without fear and opens a world of opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Embracing Chaos to Foster Growth:
In my past experiences as a thermodynamics and fluid mechanics researcher, I often found myself immersed in chaos and unexpected outcomes. Flooded laboratories and unforeseen results became my companions on this journey of discovery. However, these seemingly disastrous moments served as valuable lessons, reminding me of the importance of embracing chaos and the unknown.
By willingly exposing ourselves to discomfort and uncertainty, we create a fertile ground for growth. It is through these “messy” experiences that we gain insights, develop resilience, and expand our capabilities. As we learn to navigate through the unexpected, we become better equipped to handle challenges and adapt to an ever-changing world.
The Path to Innovation:
An experimental mindset not only fuels personal growth but also drives innovation. By encouraging a culture of experimentation, organizations can foster creativity and cultivate a sense of exploration among their employees. When individuals are empowered to try new things without the fear of failure, they become more inclined to think outside the box and challenge existing norms. It is within this realm of experimentation that groundbreaking discoveries and transformative ideas are often born.
Conclusion:
In a society that often prioritizes certainty and conformity, embracing an experimental mindset becomes an act of rebellion against the status quo.
By relinquishing attachment to outcomes and embracing chaos, we unlock a world of endless possibilities for growth, learning, and innovation. So, let us all embrace the joy of making a mess, for it is through these moments of experimentation that we can truly learn something valuable and pave the way for a brighter future.
And don’t worry if you get wet!
