Idea 42: Don't make the same mistake twice

To stumble twice against the same stone is a proverbial disgrace.

Cicero

Many mistakes, such as forgetting your passport or traveling without a valid visa and being refused entry to another country, are both frustrating and time wasting. To repeat such mistakes is indeed ‘a proverbial disgrace’.

Lessons learnt the hard way are often both painful and memorable so that we are programmed against repeating them again. As the proverb says:

Once bitten, twice shy.

If you do find yourself repeating mistakes, ask yourself why. The pattern may indicate that there is something that needs changing in your habits, your attitudes or your systems. Correct the underlying cause and you will eliminate this particular ...

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