Look before you leap.
– Charlotte Brontë
Meaning of this proverb:
Look before you leap refers to thinking through possible outcomes before taking action. Every action has a reaction. When you do something, consider the consequences. Take responsibility for your actions.
When you leap forward, always be aware of the possible outcomes. Consider your decision carefully before you move forward, so you don’t regret it later. When thinking about your plan, consider the potential outcomes as well.
Charlotte Brontë is often credited with coining the phrase “Look before you leap”. However, a similar phrase was written by Aesop in the 500s B.C called The Fox and the Goat.
Think of possible results no matter what you do, no matter how big or small it is. When you move forward, be aware of any risk and outcome. Don’t leap into anything blindly.
Calculate the possible risk
It is certainly not a smart idea to make avoidable mistakes. Consider every possibility before making a decision. The key is to know what you are doing and to walk that fine line between being confident and being overconfident.
When you can properly plan ahead and make an informed decision, why rush into anything? Isn’t it true that the only way to achieve the expected results is to evaluate the expected outcomes first?
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
– Benjamin Franklin
In the absence of a plan, we automatically plan to fail. Making mistakes may not be a mistake, but making the same mistakes over and over again is certainly a mistake.
The best way to avoid avoidable problems is to think twice, if not thrice before you take the first step. It’s important to know where your first step will lead you before you take it.
Do not make rash decisions, know where you’re going so you won’t end up in the wrong spot. Do not rush, take your time. Be fully present in your decision-making process.
Preparation and planning are vital, and when the results do not meet expectations, you need to take action to steer yourself in the right direction.
